What to Do with Used Sharps in Maine
Put used sharps in a strong, plastic container that is puncture proof
Have a needle clipper? When the needle clipper is full, it can be disposed of according to your state or local regulations. More information can be found here.
Put the plastic container in the household trash - don't recycle!
If a trash collector is reluctant to collect a red sharps container, refer them to your state waste agency.
Sharps should never be thrown loosely into the trash or toilet.
Sharps that retract after use, or are very small, should be disposed of like all other sharps.
If you would like to bring your sealed container to a community sharps disposal program, there are drop-off locations in Aroostock County, Hancock County and Kennebec County.
Disposal locations in Maine (12)
| Location Name | Address | City | Phone | Service Area | Residency Restriction | Provides Containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfond Center for Health | 35 Medical Center Pkwy | Augusta, 04330 | 207-872-4102 | Kennebec County | No | Yes |
| MaineGeneral Health-Harm Reduction | 9 Green St, 2nd Floor | Augusta, 04330 | 207-861-5288 | Kennebec County | No | No |
| Maine Recovery Access Project (ME-RAP) | 47 Water St | Augusta, 04330 | 207-248-6033 | Kennebec County | No | No |
| Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness | 304 Hancock St | Bangor, 04401 | 207-299-6378 | Bangor | No | Yes |
| Caribou Police Department | 25 High St | Caribou, 04736 | 207-493-3301 | Aroostock County | No | Yes |
| Opiate Free Island Partnership | 627 N Deer Isle Rd | Deer Isle, 04627 | 207-479-6255 | Hancock County | No | No |
| Fort Fairfield Police Department | 18 Community Center Dr | Fort Fairfield, 04742 | 207-472-7808 | Aroostock County | No | Yes |
| Fort Kent Police Department | 416 W Main St | Fort Kent, 04743 | 207-834-5678 | Aroostock County | No | No |
| Houlton Police Department | 97 Military St | Houlton, 04730 | 207-532-2287 | Aroostock County | No | No |
| Kennebunkport Public Health Department *Appointment Required* | 101A Main St | Kennebunkport, 04046 | 207-967-4401 | Kennebunkport | Yes | No |
| Madawaska Police Department | 428 Main St | Madawaska, 04756 | 207-728-6356 | Aroostock County | No | No |
| MaineGeneral Medical Center-Thayer Campus | 149 North St | Waterville, 04901 | 207-626-1000 | Kennebec County | No | Yes |
Please note that SafeNeedleDisposal.org is not affiliated with these facilities or programs. Contact the individual facility to confirm hours of operation and requirements.