You are here:

Needle Disposal Policy on Campus

In order to protect all students, visitors and housekeeping staff on campus any students using needles are expected to dispose of such items in an appropriate manner. The recommended method to properly discard of needles is to place used needles in a red biohazard sharps container and bring the container to the Student Health Center for further disposal. Red biohazard sharps containers are available to any student requesting one (free of charge with no questions asked).

The institution recognizes that in certain situations a biohazard container may not be readily available. In this instance students are directed to recap used needles and place in a plastic puncture resistant container (such as an empty detergent bottle) and tape the lid securely. This is not the preferred method of disposal since these containers are puncture resistant not puncture proof. These containers should also be brought to the Health Center to be labeled with a biohazard sticker and checked to be intact and secure. These containers should NOT be placed in regular trash receptacles on campus. Students may also opt to take used needles home with them for further disposal.

Any student coming from home with their own “sharps disposal system” that differs from the above recommendations will need to have this system cleared through Student Health Services prior to use.

It is also the recommendation of the Student Health Department that these guidelines are extended to the entire campus community. This includes students using needles for classroom/lab experiments. It should also include employees using needles while at work.

Any student, housekeeping or other staff member aware of inappropriate needle disposal may contact the Nurse Director in Student Health for further action.

Communication of the above policy will take place through but is not limited to the following:

1. Incoming health forms will be reviewed for any medical conditions involving sharp use and letters will be sent to those individuals outlining the above.
2. Residence Life Handbook