Since 2012 it is illegal to dispose of any needles, syringes and lancets, all referred to as sharps, in Massachusetts landfills. This means you can no longer throw out sharps in your household trash. Sharps must be placed in a proper container and brought to an appropriate sharps disposal program site.

The Amherst Health Department and the Department of Public Works sponsor a Safe Needle Disposal Program for Amherst, Pelham and Shutesbury residents. Residents of these communities who use syringes to manage their health care at home may purchase sharps containers at the Amherst Health Department or the Amherst Transfer Station.

Eligibility                                                                               This program is for residents of Amherst, Pelham and Shutesbury who use sharps at home, it does not include business use.

Cost
 A 2.5 quart containers are available for $5.00 each. The cost covers purchase and disposal at either of the two sites listed below. 

If you bring your own container there will be a pro-rated charge and there may be an additional cost.
    
Please bring exact fee or a check, sorry we cannot make change.