Needles, sharps and syringes
Community Sharps Program Ending – From 1 July 2026
AlburyCity will be ending its Community Sharps Program (CSP) on 1 July 2026.
The CSP has been in place since the late 1990s to support the safe disposal of community generated sharps through collection bins located at selected pharmacies. Over time, the program has changed significantly, and after reviewing its operation, AlburyCity will no longer coordinate or fund the collection and disposal of sharps from pharmacy based bins.
What this means for the community
From 1 July 2026, community members will still have several safe and accessible options for disposing of sharps, including:
- NSW Health sharps disposal bins located at:
- Albury Community Health Centre, 596 Smollett Street Albury
- Albury Base Hospital, 201 Borella Road, East Albury
- Pharmacies that choose to continue accepting community sharps
- Personal sharps containers, available for purchase at pharmacies
- AlburyCity’s landfill, which accepts sealed sharps containers
These options ensure that safe disposal pathways remain available across the city.
What this means for pharmacies and businesses
Pharmacies may continue to accept community sharps if they choose. However, from 1 July 2026, they will need to arrange their own collection and disposal service with an authorised waste contractor.
More information
Further information on the roles and responsibilities for safe sharps disposal is available in the NSW Community Sharps Guidance.
If you have questions about sharps disposal options or this change, please contact AlburyCity’s Environmental Health team.
Community Sharps Program – Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AlburyCity ending the Community Sharps Program?
The program has changed significantly since it began in the late 1990s and no longer operates as originally intended. It now presents financial and operational challenges, and pharmacies already have responsibilities under state guidance for managing sharps generated on their premises. Ending the program allows AlburyCity to redirect resources to more effective community sharps management options.
When will the program end?
The Community Sharps Program will end on 1 July 2026.
Can I still dispose of my sharps safely after the program ends?
Yes. Safe disposal options will continue to be available across the city, including:
*NSW Health sharps disposal bins located at the Albury Community Health Centre and Albury Base Hospital
*Pharmacies that choose to continue accepting community sharps
*Personal sharps containers available for purchase at pharmacies
*AlburyCity’s landfill (sealed sharps containers only)
Will pharmacies still accept sharps?
Some may choose to continue accepting community sharps. However, from 1 July 2026, pharmacies will need to arrange their own collection and disposal service with an authorised waste contractor.
Does this change affect people who use sharps for medical reasons?
No. People who use sharps for diabetes, allergies, fertility treatment, or other medical needs will still have multiple safe disposal options, including personal sharps containers and NSW Health disposal sites.
What about businesses like beauty salons or cosmetic clinics?
Businesses that generate sharps as part of their operations must continue to use an authorised waste contractor for collection and disposal. This requirement does not change.
Why can’t AlburyCity continue to fund the service?
The program has expanded beyond its original purpose and now involves costs and operational processes that are no longer sustainable or aligned with state expectations.
Where can I find more information about safe sharps disposal?
Further information on roles and responsibilities is available in the NSW Community Sharps Guidance and NSW Health Community Sharps Management resources.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can contact AlburyCity’s Environmental Health team for assistance or clarification.