Council is making changes to its sharps container supply and disposal services.
- Sharps containers will be available from Council until 31 December 2026, or while stocks last.
- After this time, sharps containers will no longer be available from Council’s Customer Service at the Government Centre.
- Council’s public sharps disposal bin will remain available until 29 January 2027.
What you need to do
If you use sharps to manage a medical condition, speak with your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before Council’s service ends. They can help you understand the most appropriate options for accessing sharps containers and safely disposing of used sharps in the future.
Sharps containers can also be purchased from a range of retailers, including local pharmacies and online stores.
Businesses that generate sharps waste will need to arrange and fund their own compliant sharps disposal service.
Why is this service changing?
Council’s sharps disposal service was established as a community service for individual residents. However, most deposits are now being made by local businesses.
Businesses that generate sharps waste are responsible for arranging and funding their own compliant disposal service.
Council is providing advance notice of the change to give residents time to make alternative arrangements.
Where can I safely dispose of sharps?
Residents can speak with their healthcare provider about appropriate disposal options. Needle and Syringe Programs are also available locally through North East Health Wangaratta and Gateway Health.
North East Health Wangaratta
The Needle and Syringe Program at North East Health Wangaratta provides a free, confidential and non-judgemental service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A secure dispensing unit and sharps disposal bin are located outside the Emergency Department.
Find out more about the Alcohol and Other Drugs Service at North East Health Wangaratta
Gateway Health
Gateway Health’s Needle and Syringe Program is a confidential service that provides sterile injecting equipment and safe disposal options, including:
- sterile needles and syringes
- sharps disposal containers
- alcohol swabs
- a safe disposal point for used needles
- safer sex products
- information and support to reduce the health risks associated with injecting.
The service is coordinated by trained Alcohol and Other Drug clinicians who can also provide information, education and referrals.
Find out more about Gateway Health’s Needle and Syringe Program
Safe disposal of sharps
All sharps, needles, and syringes should be disposed of safely. For further information, you can read the Victorian Government Safe Retrieval and Disposal of Needles and Syringes brochure on the Victorian Department of Health website.