Sharps container	Empty detergent bottle	Empty coffee container

An "approved sharps container" by definition includes:

• Any rigid plastic container that is strong enough to withstand puncture by its contents
• Can be sealed closed so that collection staff are protected from the risks associated with handling these containers

Examples of "approved sharps containers" include:

• Commonly used red biohazard containers (available free for Elk Grove residents at City Hall or the Special Waste Collection Center)
• Empty liquid laundry detergent bottle with a screw top lid
• Empty rigid plastic coffee container with resealable lid

Prepare your container for disposal by ensuring:

• Sharps, needles, lancets are completely enclosed in the container
• Container is sealed completely. Broken, split or damaged containers will not be accepted
• Container is clearly labeled as "sharps"
• Container does not contain any medications, except for unused auto-injectors

Not An Approved Container

Milk jugs and similar items are not rigid enough to be used as an approved container.