Find a Drop-Off Location
Find a Drop-Off Location

FAQ Medical Sharps

Frequently Asked Questions

Consumers

  • HPSA currently operates in four provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
  • The following products can be returned in the respective provinces:
    • Prescription drugs (BC, MB, ON, NB, PEI)
    • Over-the-counter medications (BC, MB, ON, NB, PEI)
    • Natural health products (BC, MB, ON, NB, PEI)
    • Medical Sharps (ON, MB,NB PEI)
    Check here to find a participating collection location near you.
  • No. Return programs operated by HPSA are free of charge for the consumer.

Medical Sharps

  • To ensure the safe disposal. Improper disposal puts garbage and municipal workers, janitors, housekeepers, household members, children and pets at risk of being harmed by needle stick injuries.
  • The following items used on humans or companion animals are accepted in the medical sharps return programs:
    • Infusion sets,
    • Safety pens,
    • Pen needles,
    • Syringe with needles attached,
    • Lancets,
    • Needles and needle tips,
    • Pre-filled cartridges and pre-filled syringes.
    These items should be used by individuals in their homes to inject medications by piercing the skin. Please note that medical sharps used on companion animals are also accepted.
  • Used medical sharps should be collected in a sharp approved container available free of charge from participating collection locations.
  • Biomedical sharps are treated using a high-pressure steam sterilization process (typically a commercial autoclave). Cytotoxic sharps are treated using high-temperature incineration.