How to Dispose of Sharps In Cambridge

Not sure where to get rid of old or unused needles, syringes, or lancets (also known collectively as sharps)? The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Health Department have got you covered with multiple locations of sharps drop boxes throughout the city. Some locations are brand new so be sure to check the list below to see which drop box(es) are nearest to you!

In Massachusetts, it is illegal to dispose of sharps in the regular trash. Instead, Cambridge residents can deposit used needles and syringes into sharps disposal drop boxes at multiple locations in Cambridge.  

Sharps Drop Boxes

Here is a list of sharp drop boxes that residents can use:

CHA Windsor Street Care ​Center
119 Windsor Street, Ground Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139

The drop box is located in the lower lobby of the building, by the entrance to the ground floor offices. Check CHA’s website to see when the building is open to the public. 

 Cambridge Police Department
125 Sixth Street
Cambridge, MA 02142 

You can also anonymously deposit unused medications in the appropriate drop boxes located in the first floor lobby of the police station’s Records Unit. This area is to your right as you enter the lobby. 

There are many new outside sharps dropboxes around Cambridge:

Drop Box Outside of Alewife MBTA Station
Steel Place
Cambridge, MA, 02140

Drop Box Outside of Cambridge Fire Department’s Porter Square Fire House
2029 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA, 02140 

Drop Box Outside in Danehy Park at New Street Entrance
Cambridge, MA 02138

Drop Box Outside in Harvard Square
Church Street and Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

Drop Box Outside at Rindge Avenue @  Russell Field (MBTA Bus Turnaround)
Cambridge, MA, 02140 

There are four additional drop boxes in Central Square provided by the Central Square Business Improvement District. See our website for details. 

How to Drop Off Used Needles and Syringes

• Place the items in a sharps container or a 1-quart (or smaller) hard-sided plastic container with a lid, such as a laundry detergent, bleach, or soda bottle. Tape the container shut.
• Put the containers into the drop box. Please don’t leave containers outside the sharps drop boxes. 
• If your container is too large for the drop box, please visit the health department’s front desk at 119 Windsor Street on the 2nd floor. The office is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. If you have any questions, call 617-665-3800. Please leave a message and someone will return your call. 
• Don’t put medications or other medical supplies in the sharps drop boxes. Visit our Dispose of Medication Safely page to learn more.  

Learn more on the health department’s website.