Promoting safe syringe disposal goes "hand in hand" with expanded syringe access in New York State.

Safe disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes (hereafter referred to as “syringes”) used outside of health care settings is a critical public health concern for which options are limited in many communities.1,2 Safe disposal options for people who need home health care, people who inject insulin,3 and people who are injection drug users (IDUs) are often inadequate.4 Access to sharps containers for syringe disposal may be a barrier for persons with limited incomes.5 When the New York State Legislature authorized sale of syringes without a prescription as a demonstration program to prevent blood-borne pathogen transmission, it emphasized proper disposal of syringes.6 We review syringe disposal options in place before the January 1, 2001, start of the New York State Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP), and summarize actions taken in conjunction with ESAP to enhance safe disposal.