What are sharps?
Hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications and for the removal/testing of blood/blood products.

What is Senate Bill (SB) 1305?
SB 1305 is a bill that was signed by the governor in July 2006. It regulates how sharps waste generated by self-medicators is to be managed after September 1, 2008.
The bill: Requires sharps waste to be transported only in a sharps or other approved containers, and forbids the disposal of sharps into containers used for the collection of solid waste (i.e., household trash), construction and demolition debris, greenwaste, or other recyclable materials. This bill does not require the County, or other California jurisdictions, to implement regulations or fine individuals that do not adhere to the requirements of SB 1305. The intent of SB 1305 is keep sharps out of the solid waste stream and, therefore, help prevent the deposition of sharps in landfills.

When does/did this new law go into effect?
This law went into effect on September 1, 2008.

What is an "approved" sharps container?
The United States Food and Drug Administration has authorized specific containers to be marketed as "medical devices" for the management of sharps (sharps containers). These approved containers have the following characteristics: they are closable, resistant to punctures, properly labeled as bio-hazard/sharps containers, leak proof on the sides and bottom and upright, and stable during use.
Currently, the only approved containers for the management of sharps waste are manufactured by companies in the medical field. These should be easily recognized by the labeling provided. Approved containers usually have a bio-hazard warning and are red.

What happens if I don't comply with SB 1305?
Fines for illegal dumping can reach $10,000 under State law, and responsible parties may be liable for State and local cleanup and abatement costs, as well as local penalties. A person who knowingly discards sharps waste in a park, playground or on public or private school grounds is subject to legal action and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine and imprisonment.