Board of Health Offers New Needle Disposal Kiosks

There are several medical conditions requiring the use of lancets, needles and syringes, but their improper disposal can pose a public health hazard, city health officials say. 

That's why the Malden Board of Health announced two new kiosks in the city to facilitate a safe way to trash old needles: one at 630 Salem St. and another at the Malden Senior Center on Washington Street. 

The Salem Street location offers 24-hour access for disposal, while the senior center kiosk is only available when the facility is open to the public. 

The Board's office in room 517 at City Hall also accepts discarded needles during regular business hours. 

“This service is provided to reduce the amount of needles deposited into landfills and to safeguard sanitation workers as well as the public from syringes spilling out of curbside trash," Dr. Kunway Singh, the board's Medical Health Director, said in a statement. 

For more information, contact Public Health Nurse Maria Tamagna at (781) 397-7052 or mtamagna@cityofmalden.org.


"Do's and don'ts" for proper disposal:

DO put used syringes in Sharps containers immediately. A Sharps container is a single-use container that is filled with used medical needles and then disposed of safely. These can be purchased at medical supply stores or ordered through the mail.

DO keep needles away from children and pets.

DO bring a Sharps container when traveling.

DO clean your Sharps containers with bleach IF you must reuse them.

DO NOT put needles, syringes and Sharps containers in the trash or in recyclable bins!

DO NOT flush used syringes down the toilet or drop into storm drains.