Syringes and sharps

From 1 July 2026, the City of Ballarat will begin phasing out its household syringe and sharps collection service.  

As the service is now widely available through alternative providers, it is no longer necessary for Council to continue delivering it directly.  

We understand this change will impact some community members, and we will continue to share clear information and guidance to help residents transition confidently to other readily accessible options.

The final day for this service will be 30 September 2026.

All Ballarat Community Health sites offer FREE disposal containers and a disposal service for used items.

You can purchase appropriate sharps units at local UFS Pharmacies, Chemist Warehouse, or specialised retailers like First Aid Training Ballarat.  

UFS Pharmacies offer a free disposal service.

We have safe syringe bins in our public toilets which are regularly checked and emptied. Find a public toilet in Ballarat.

If you find a used syringe on public land in Ballarat, call our Customer Service team on 5320 5500 to arrange safe collection and disposal. You will need to let us know the exact syringe location.

Syringes on private property are the responsibility of the owner.

Do

• Tell children never to pick up needles and syringes.
• Place used needles only in a suitable sharps container.
• Store the container in areas that are child and animal proof.
• Pick up the syringe by the blunt end with gloves or tongs.

Don't

• Toss syringes loose in the bin.
• Clip needles with scissors.
• Dispose of syringes in the toilet.
• Place syringes in aluminium cans or glass containers.
• Place the sharps container in the bin. This puts our waste collection workers at risk.

For more information call the Syringe Disposal Hotline on 1800 552 355 or our Environmental Health Unit on 5320 5702.

The Better Health Channel has information on what to do if you have a needlestick injury.