Fire Rescue

Sharps Disposal Program

About the Program

The Alachua County Sharps Disposal Project is designed as a community service to assist residents with a safe and environmentally sound method to dispose of used sharps (syringes, needles, and lancets)

The improper disposal of sharps threatens the safety of every member of our community:

  • They Clog sewer lift stations.
  • The end up at recycling centers among the cans and plastics.
  • They puncture solid waste containers and place at risk workers along collection routes and at the landfill.
  • They can be contaminated with hepatitis, HIV, AIDS, and other potentially fatal diseases.

How the Program Works

Visit one of the exchange sites listed below during the hours given.

Ask for an approved sharps container. A charge of $3.00 for each container is required to offset the cost of the container and its safe disposal.

Personal check or exact payment is required.

If you cannot afford to purchase a container, contact Alachua County Social Services at 955-2471.

Take the container home and place it out of reach of children.

Perform your routine blood test, ect.

Administer your normal injection.

Dispose of your syringes and lancets completely intact. Do not clip the needle. Do not recap the needle.

When the Container is full, permanently close the top following the directions.

Return the filled sharps container to one of the participating exchange sites for proper disposal, and purchase another container at that site.

Note:

This Program is being provided for the private sector only. All professionals and businesses are regulated under state and federal biohazard waste laws and may not participate.

In addition to the listed locations, sharps containers may still be obtained at the Target Department store's pharmacy and Gresham's pharmacy at the North Florida Regional Hospital Location.

There two facilities were the only sharps exchange programs for several years and a special thanks is deserved for their community service.

Exchange Sites

Alachua County Health Department
224 S.E 24th St.
Gainesville
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Friday

Alachua County Fire Rescue Station # 16
1600 Fort Clark Blvd.
Gainesville
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday thru Saturday

Alachua County Health Department
North Main Street
Alachua
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday thru Friday

Alachua County Fire Rescue Station # 21
13815 MLK Blvd.
Alachua
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday thru Saturday

Alachua County Fire Rescue Station # 12
1200 SE 43rd Street
Gainesville
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday thru Saturday

Alachua County Fire Rescue Central Supply Warehouse
5901 NW 34th Street
Gainesville
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday thru Friday

Alachua County Fire Rescue Station # 19
1800 SW 43rd Street
Gainesville
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday thru Saturday

Alachua County Health Department
2535 W. Newberry Road
Newberry Fl.

For Further Information Contact the Alachua County Health Department, Environmental Health, (352) 334-7930