Outdoor dual sharps disposal kiosk at Seven Hills Park. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

The City of Somerville has installed the nation’s first outdoor dual sharps disposal kiosk at Seven Hills Park, further advancing its harm reduction and public safety initiatives. Located behind the Davis Square MBTA station, the kiosk is accessible by foot, bike, and car, with nearby access from Meacham Road. 

This innovative installation is the first of its kind in both Massachusetts and the United States. It is designed to make safe disposal of sharps more accessible while offering a discreet alternative to the indoor kiosk located at the Somerville Police Station. 

“This is one small but important piece of a complex and critical public health response,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “By expanding access to safe disposal, we’re helping protect both individual and community wellbeing.” 

Unlike indoor drop boxes, which only accept sealed, puncture-proof containers, this new dual kiosk can accommodate both containers and individual sharps. A secure, single-use slot allows for the safe disposal of individual needles, providing greater flexibility and convenience for community members. 

More outdoor kiosks are planned across the city, with upcoming installations slated for sites near the East and West Branch Libraries. 

“As part of our ongoing commitment to public health and safety, this kiosk provides a critical resource for safe sharps disposal in a high-traffic, accessible location,” said Karin Carroll, Director of Health and Human Services. “We encourage community members to use this resource responsibly and help keep Somerville clean and safe.” 

To ensure safety and cleanliness, the City has contracted a professional vendor for regular disposal services, and Somerville’s Community Health Workers will monitor the site to maintain accessibility and upkeep. 

What to Do If You Find Improperly Discarded Sharps: 

Do not touch or attempt to pick up the item. 

• Report the location by contacting Somerville 311: 

• Phone: Dial 311 or (617) 666-3311 (available 24/7) 

• Email: 311requests@somervillema.gov 

For more information on safe sharps disposal, visit somervillema.gov/publichealth