We’ve had recent requests from other counties and community partners about our amazing sharps bins we’ve set up in Ontario, Nyssa, and Vale. Last year, we collected approximately 25,000 used syringes and 15,000 in 2021. These are safe ways to dispose of syringes left on the ground and from home. People can dispose used needles and syringes into sharps disposal drop boxes 24 hours a day, confidentially, and safely. We’re lucky to have a local business that has manufactured high-quality bins to fit the standard large, red sharps and biohazard waste containers.
The local business building these containers is Enterprise Sales. They can be contacted at 541-889-5541 or sharper@srvinet.com.
To learn more about the Malheur County Health Department syringe exchange and peer program, contact us at 541-889-7279.
Safety Tips
- Avoid touching or handling needles or syringes found in public places. Parents and caregivers should remind children not to touch needles in parks and playgrounds.
- If you are accidentally stuck by another person’s used needle or other sharp:
- Wash the exposed area right away with water and soap or use a skin disinfectant (antiseptic) such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- Seek immediate medical attention by calling your provider right away or going to your local hospital emergency department. Providers will check your immunization status and may begin preventative treatment.
How do I safely dispose of a syringe?
Follow this step by step guide about how to safely pick up and dispose of syringes.
Step 1: Pick it up
To avoid health risk wear gloves like gardening or kitchen gloves. Some people use tongs, pliers, or a trash grabber. This is a good idea, especially for anyone who is going to pick up a lot of syringes or who is doing a community clean up.
Step 2: Drop it in
- Use a hard plastic container such as a sharps container or 20oz water or juice bottle with a lid.
- Set the container on the ground
- Drop the syringes in one at a time needle point down
Step 3: Seal it up
- Close the container tight
- Seal the top with a piece of tape
- Label container “sharps do not recycle”
Step 4: Drop it off
Go to the nearest drop box and dispose of syringes one at a time to avoid potential harm.
Thank you for keeping our community safe.
Malheur County Health Department 
As I understand the instructions, they require additional handling of syringes and needles. Disposing of syringes one at a time seems to increase potential exposure risk.
Thanks for your thoughtfulness, Nancy. These sharps disposal are for people to put in needles one at a time and typically are used by people who inject drugs to dispose of needles safely. For containers that are publicly available 24/7, we want to discourage other items going into the containers, so the opening is small. For people who keep syringes in a heavy plastic jug (like a bleach bottle) or home hazardous waste container, those can be taken to Ontario Sanitary Service at 540 SE 9th Ave. Call them at 541-889-5719 for more details on their requirements. There is usually a small charge.
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