Home Health Care Waste
Home health care waste does not belong in the Blue Bin recycling program.This includes needles, sharps, dialysis waste, catheters and colostomy bags.
Some items are considered hazardous waste because they are dangerous or toxic, other items can go in the Garbage Bin. All items should be disposed of with caution.
The City provides free collection of dialysis waste. To be eligible for this exemption, an application form must be filled out and certified by your Physician, Nurse or Home Dialysis Associate. To request an application form, please contact 311.
Before you throw out home health care waste, check the proper disposal options.
These items are hazardous waste:
- Syringes
- Needles
- Lancets
- Injectors
- Pre-filled pens
Proper Disposal
- local pharmacy
- City Drop-off Depots
- Community Environment Day
For all household hazardous waste between 10 to 50 litres/kilograms, residents can also request a free Toxic Taxi pick-up through 311. Apartment and condo residents should check with their Superintendent and Property Manager.
These items can go in your Garbage Bin:
- Dialysis waste (e.g. filters, disposable towels & sheets)
- IV bags & tubing, gastric & nasal tubes
- Soiled dressing, sponges and gauze
- Catheters & colostomy bags
- Disposable pads, gowns, gloves, masks & aprons
Proper Disposal
Put items inside two plastic bags and either place them in your Garbage Bin or place them in a garbage bag with a City-issued Garbage Tag affixed around the knot.