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Clatsop County presenters outline sharps-disposal options; Recology charges up to about $52 per container
Summary
Council members discussed local options for disposing household sharps: Recology accepts sharps at Warrenton and the Astoria transfer station for a fee, the county’s harm-reduction program accepts sharps at scheduled needle-exchange events, and pickup through private garbage service or HSA/FSA coverage may be options for residents.
Council members discussed confusion in the community about safe disposal of household sharps (for example, insulin needles) after reports that pharmacies and hospitals no longer accept them. Lisa and Monica reported that Recology does accept sharps containers at two locations for a fee and that the county’s harm-reduction program accepts containers at its scheduled exchanges.
Lisa said Recology’s Warrenton office charges depending on container size "$23.20 to $51.90" and the Astoria transfer station charged slightly less "$22.30 to $50.47," with specific prices tied to container volumes (4.7-quart, 10-quart and 23-quart sizes). She added that some residents may be able to have sharps-collection added to existing household waste pickup depending on whether they are in suburban or rural service areas and that HSA or FSA accounts sometimes cover sharps supplies though coverage of disposal fees is not guaranteed.
Monica clarified the scope of the harm-reduction program. She said funding and program intent are focused on syringe exchange for people who inject drugs; while staff will accept sharps containers from others who present them, harm-reduction services are not a comprehensive countywide disposal program. “It couldn't be like the answer to how they're getting rid of their sharps,” a county staffer said, noting that past household hazardous-waste contractors briefly accepted sharps but subsequent contractor changes ended that option.
Seamus asked about fees and Lisa provided the Recology figures and noted that home pickup pricing depends on the customer’s service area. Council members asked whether the county website could host a single link or a pamphlet listing disposal options and fees; Commissioner Thompson urged posting an accessible link on the county homepage and staff agreed to work with communications to share disposal guidance and to add the Recology prices to meeting notes.
The council also noted that needle-exchange programs accept sharps containers at scheduled locations (weekly in Seaside and Astoria) and that volunteers and nurse volunteers are supporting harm-reduction outreach.
