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Biomedical Waste and Needle Disposal

Environmental Health

Sarasota EH OfficeVenice EH Office

Biomedical Waste 

DOH-Sarasota has primary authority and responsibility in Sarasota County for facilities that generate, transport, store, or treat biomedical waste. These include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, funeral homes, dentists, veterinarians, physicians, tattooists, and body piercers.

The objective of the biomedical waste program is to protect public health. When biomedical waste is improperly managed, it places health care workers, sanitation workers and the general public at risk for contracting an infectious disease.

More information:


Prescription Medication Disposal 

It is important to properly dispose of prescription drugs so they do not contaminate the environment or water supplies, and so they are not misused or abused by other individuals.


Needle Disposal (Sharps) 

Needles or lancets should never be placed in the garbage or in a recycling bin.  DOH-Sarasota's Sharps Program provides individuals a no-cost, safe, and legal way to dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets. Businesses are prohibited from using this public service program.

Program participants can pick up and return medical waste containers at: