Home Healthcare Waste

Ask the Waste Wizard to find out where and how to properly dispose of an item.

 

Home healthcare 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, while other items should go in the garbage. 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 healthcare waste, check the proper disposal options.

These items are hazardous waste:

Syringes and epipen

 

  • Syringes
  • Needles
  • Lancets
  • Injectors
  • Pre-filled pens

Proper Disposal

Put these items in a sealed container labeled “needles” and take them to one of these locations:

For all household hazardous waste between 10 to 50 litres/kilograms, residents can also request a free Toxic Taxi pickup through 311. Apartment and condo residents should check with their Superintendent or Property Manager.

These items go in the garbage:

  • Dialysis waste (e.g. tubing, filters, disposable towels & sheets)
  • IV bags & tubing, gastric & nasal tubes
  • Soiled dressing, sponges, gauze and incontinence products (e.g. disposable briefs)
  • Catheters & colostomy bags
  • Disposable pads, gowns, gloves, masks & aprons

latex glove, medical mask, toilet paper, medical tubes

Proper Disposal

Put items inside a plastic bag and place the bag in the garbage in your building, in your garbage bin or in a garbage bag with a City-issued Garbage Tag attached around the knot. Ensure any excess garbage is set out properly.