City officials said that needles, razor blades and other sharp objects are found in the sorting centers every day.
PHOENIX, Arizona — A steady stream of needles, razor blades and other “sharps” are being found in Phoenix sorting facilities that threaten the safety of its employees.
The Phoenix Public Works Department reports that workers at the city’s two sorting facilities encounter medical waste and sharp objects daily. Despite the inherent risks, officials say the problem is largely preventable with better public education.
Inside the facilities, teams of eight to 12 people manually sort through a blur of material to salvage recyclables like aluminum cans and cardboard. It is a high-speed environment where a single misplaced needle can lead to potential illness or injury.
“This opens up the possibility of danger and potential sickness to the workers,” said Chris Fine, Deputy Public Works Director of Post Collections.
While the department has seen an increase in these items over the years, Fine noted that no injuries have been reported yet. This is largely due to employees wearing puncture-resistant gloves. However, the city is pushing for a safer environment by asking residents to change how they dispose of medical waste.
According to Fine, most of the needles come from households, likely used for medications such as insulin. The solution, he said, is simpler than most residents realize.
“Anything puncture-resistant can be used,” Fine said. “Like an old laundry detergent bottle, a pickle jar, a peanut butter jar… You can throw your sharps in those and seal them.”
The department provided the following guidelines for safe disposal:
• Use Heavy Plastic or Glass: Place needles in a container with a threaded lid, such as a detergent bottle or peanut butter jar.
• Seal the Container: If the lid is not threaded, secure it firmly with tape.
• Discard in Trash: Once sealed, these containers should be placed in the regular garbage, not the recycling bin.
Community Safety and Resources
The issue isn’t limited to household waste. Officials also noted that syringes are frequently left on city streets. The Public Works Department advises citizens not to pick up stray needles themselves. Instead, residents are encouraged to call the department directly to request a professional pickup.
For those unsure about how to dispose of specific hazardous objects, the city has launched an online guide. Residents can visit phoenix.gov and search for “sharps” to find detailed disposal instructions.
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