Medical Sharps

Medical sharps or "sharps” is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin such as hypodermic needles, fingersticks, and "pen" injectors.

It is illegal in Oregon to throw sharps in trash or recycling bins. They can expose garbage workers and the public to possible injury or disease.

Follow these steps to join the Columbia County Free Sharps Exchange Program:

1. Enroll at any of these locations (identified below).

2. Bring your full sharps container to one of the participating locations.

3. Receive a new empty container at no cost.

4. And, keep participating in the program as long as you need. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

Drop-off locations:

Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District - 280 SE Third Street, Clatskanie. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Columbia River Fire & Rescue – Rainier Station - 211 West 2nd Street, Rainier. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Columbia County Transfer Station - 1601 Railroad Ave; St. Helens. Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District - 12525 Highway 202, Mist. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Scappoose Rural Fire District - 52751 Columbia River Highway, Scappoose. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District - 555 East Bridge Street, Vernonia. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Call for Appointment 503-429-8252.