Washington § 70A.228.040 - Residential sharps — Disposal — Violation.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 70A.228.040 — Residential sharps — Disposal — Violation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 70A.228.040. Residential sharps — Disposal — Violation.

(1) A person shall not intentionally place unprotected sharps or a sharps waste container into: (a) Recycling containers provided by a city, county, or solid waste collection company, or any other recycling collection site unless that site is specifically designated by a local health department as a drop-off site for sharps waste containers; or (b) cans, carts, drop boxes, or other containers in which refuse, trash, or solid waste has been placed for collection if a source separated collection service is provided for residential sharps waste.
(2) Local health departments shall enforce this section, primarily through an educational approach regarding proper disposal of residential sharps. On the first and second violation, the health department shall provide a warning to the person that includes information on proper disposal of residential sharps. A subsequent violation shall be a class 3 infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW.
(3) It is not a violation of this section to place a sharps waste container into a household refuse receptacle if the utilities and transportation commission determines that such placement is necessary to reduce the potential for theft of the sharps waste container.
[ 1994 c 165 s 3. Formerly RCW 70.95K.030.]

Notes

Effective date—1994 c 165 s 3: "Section 3 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1995." [ 1994 c 165 s 6.]
Findings—Purpose—Intent—1994 c 165: See note following RCW 70A.228.010.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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What does Revised Code of Washington § 70A.228.040 cover?

Section 70A.228.040 ("Residential sharps — Disposal — Violation.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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