Disposal of needles and other sharps
64 Disposal of needles and other sharps
Subsection (2) applies to a person—
who discards a hypodermic needle at residential premises, if the needle has been in contact with human or animal tissue or bodily fluids; or
who discards a hypodermic needle or other sharp at a place other than residential premises.
The person must—
place the hypodermic needle or other sharp in a rigid-walled, puncture-resistant container; and
seal or securely close the container.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
Subsection (4) applies to a person who discards a hypodermic needle or other sharp at premises at which clinical waste or related waste is generated.
The person must place the hypodermic needle or other sharp in a container that complies with—
the ‘Australian/New Zealand Standard for Reusable containers for the collection of sharp items used in human and animal medical applications: AS/NZS 4261:1994’ published by Standards Australia; or
the ‘Australian Standard for Sharps injury protection - Requirements and test methods - Sharps containers: AS 23907:2023’ published by Standards Australia.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
Also, a person who discards a hypodermic needle or other sharp under subsection (2) or (4) must ensure it is not accessible to another person.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
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