Please do not dump syringes in your waste, recycling or garden waste bins!
How can I safely dispose of needles and syringes?
From time to time, needles and syringes are being incorrectly disposed of in garbage, recycling and garden waste bins, resulting in occupational health and safety risks to workers at waste and recycling centres.
To address this problem, City of Parramatta Council, in conjunction with selected pharmacies, have introduced a Safe Needle Disposal Scheme for people with diabetes and other domestic users of lancets, syringes and pen needles.
What are sharps?
Sharps are objects that are intended for cutting or penetrating the skin. They include:
- needles
- a syringe with needle
- intravenous giving sets
- lancets
- scalpel blades
How should I handle my sharps?
People who generate sharps should ensure they are stored correctly so that there is no risk of injury to anyone who may come into contact with the waste.
- Sharps should be stored in an appropriate rigid puncture proof container e.g. a 'yellow' sharps container
- Sharps waste containers should be stored in a secure location so children cannot access the container
- When the sharps container is full, seal the lid firmly
Where can I purchase a sharps container?
Sharps waste containers can be purchased from local pharmacies or by contacting Diabetes Australia on 9552 9900 or visiting www.diabetesnsw.com.au
Where do I dispose of my sharps container?
Sharps waste containers can be taken to the following:
Disposal point | Address |
Bungaree Rd Pharmacy | 28 Bungaree Road, Toongabbie |
Chemist Outlet | 3 Coal St, Silverwater NSW 2148 |
Chemist Warehouse Epping | 58 - 60 Rawson Street, Epping |
Chemist Warehouse Parramatta | 202 - 214 Church Street, Parramatta |
Chemist Warehouse North Parramatta | 458 Church St, Parramatta |
Chemist Warehouse Westfield Parramatta | Level 1 Shop M11B Westfield Parramatta near the food court 159 - 175 Church Street |
Chemworld Pharmacy Carlingford | Shop 143 Carlingford Court Shopping Centre Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford |
Chisholm Centre Pharmacy | Shop 3 Churchill Drive, Winston Hills |
Cincotta Discount Chemist | Shop 1, 821 - 825 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford |
Darcy Road Pharmacy | Shop 3, 29 - 33 Darcy Road, Westmead |
Discount Drug Store Ermington | 4 Betty Cuthbert Avenue, Ermington |
Emma Crescent Pharmacy | Shop 5a Emma Crescent, Constitution Hill |
My Chemist | Suite 1, 16-18 Bridge Street, Epping |
PharmaSave Parramatta | Shop 5020, Level 5 Westfield Shopping Centre, Parramatta |
Priceline Parramatta | Westfield Shopping Centre Shop M10, Level 2 159-175 Church Street, Parramatta |
Reg Byrne Community Centre | Cnr Fyall Avenue and Darcy Road, Wentworthville |
Telopea Pharmacy | 14 Benaud Place, Dundas |
Priceline Pharmacies North Rock Westfield | Shop 18-22 Westfield Shopping Centre, North Rocks |
Tolar Pharmacy | Shop 13 Northmead Plaza, Campbell Street, Northmead |
Oatlands Pharmacies | 42 Belmore Street, Oatlands |
Shikins Pharmacy | 4 Carmen Drive, Carlingford |
Wentworth Point Priceline Pharmacy | 303/5 Footbridge BVD, Wentworth Point |
Pharmacy 4 Less | 240 Church St, Parramatta |
What is the cost for sharps disposal?
There are no costs associated with the disposal of your sharps waste container at participating pharmacies.
What to do if you find a syringe/needle?
For the removal of needles and syringes found in public places contact NSW Health Needle Clean-Up Hotline on 1800 633 353 or City of Parramatta Council on 1300 617 058.
If you require any further information please contact Council on 1300 617 058 or Western Sydney Area Health Service, Parramatta HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention Service on 02 9893 9522.
Please do not dump syringes in your waste, recycling or garden waste bins!