What to Do with Used Sharps in New Mexico
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 Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
Disposal locations in New Mexico (11)
| Location Name | Address | City | Phone | Service Area | Residency Restriction | Provides Containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown Public Health Office | 2400 Wellesley Dr NE | Albuquerque, 87107 | 505-841-4170 | Bernalillo County | Yes | No |
| Northwest Valley Public Health Office | 7704 2nd St NW | Albuquerque, 87107 | 505-222-6500 | Bernalillo County | Yes | No |
| Casa De Salud Clinic | 1608 Isleta Blvd SW | Albuquerque, 87105 | 505-907-8311 | Albuquerque | No | No |
| Sandoval County Fire Department Station 45 | 1401 State Rd 313 | Algadones, 87001 | 505-867-3113 | Sandoval County | No | No |
| Bernalillo Senior Center | 801 Rotary Park Rd | Bernalillo, 87004 | 505-867-9448 | Sandoval County | No | No |
| Sandoval County Homebound Residents Sharps Pickup Service *Appointment Required* | County Resident Pickup | Bernalillo, 87004 | 505-867-9448 | Sandoval County | Yes | No |
| Cuba Volunteer Fire Department | 16 E Cordova Ave | Cuba, 87013 | 575-289-3456 | Sandoval County | No | No |
| Española Pathways Shelter | 628 A North Riverside Dr | Española, 87532 | 505-753-4453 | Rio Arriba County | No | No |
| Las Cruces Central Public Health Office | 1170 N Solano Dr | Las Cruces, 88001 | 575-528-5001 | Dona Ana County | Yes | No |
| Sandoval County Fire Department Station 41 | 463 State Rd 165 | Placitas, 87043 | 505-867-5080 | Sandoval County | No | No |
| San Ysidro City Hall | 389 State Rd 4 | San Ysidro, 87053 | 575-834-7398 | Sandoval County | No | No |
Please note that SafeNeedleDisposal.org is not affiliated with these facilities or programs. Contact the individual facility to confirm hours of operation and requirements.