24 RCNY § 36-01 Definitions.
§ 36-01 Definitions.
The term “Pilot Program", or “Program", means the needle, syringe, and sharps buyback pilot program established pursuant to this Chapter.
(Added City Record 5/22/2024, eff. 6/21/2024)
Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program
RCNY tit. 24, ch. 36
in effect24 RCNY § 36-02 Establishment of a Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program.
§ 36-02 Establishment of a Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program.
(a) For one year after commencement of the Pilot Program, the Department will offer the financial incentives set forth in 24 RCNY § 36-04 to eligible persons who meet the requirements set forth in 24 RCNY § 36-03, and who collect and return needles, syringes, and sharps previously used for human non-medical drug consumption to specified buyback locations in the manner prescribed herein.
(b) Buyback locations will be available on the Department’s website on or before the date the Program commences. Buyback locations are determined by the Department based on the quantity and public health impact of information received from the public and syringe service providers regarding needle, syringe, and sharps litter as well as the prevalence and location of public drug use on or after the 6 months preceding commencement of the Program, provided, however, that there will be at least one buyback location in each borough.
(Added City Record 5/22/2024, eff. 6/21/2024)
24 RCNY § 36-03 Eligibility for Individual Participation in the Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program.
§ 36-03 Eligibility for Individual Participation in the Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program.
To be eligible, individuals must satisfy the following criteria:
(a) Enrollment: An individual must enroll in the Pilot Program on a form prescribed by the Department. Enrollment may include proof of age, an agreement to waive liability for unsafe handling, and an agreement to abide by a code of conduct which ensures the health and safety of program participants, staff, and associated individuals. Enrollment forms will be available on the Department’s website on or before commencement of the Program.
(b) Age requirement: Individuals must be eighteen years of age or older. Proof of age may be required.
(c) Safe handling: Individuals must undertake training offered by the Department on the safe handling of needles, syringes, and sharps. Such training will include, but not be limited to, the proper disposal, containment, and transportation of needles, syringes, and sharps. Instructions regarding such training will be posted on the Department’s website.
(Added City Record 5/22/2024, eff. 6/21/2024)
24 RCNY § 36-04 Financial Incentives for the Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program.
§ 36-04 Financial Incentives for the Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program.
(a) Participants will receive twenty cents for each needle, syringe, or sharp used for human non-medical drug consumption returned to a buyback location. However, the total daily payout for any individual participant will not exceed ten dollars.
(b) Participants may be denied payment for any of the following reasons, as determined by the Pilot Program:
(1) The participant failed to comply with any element of the Pilot Program’s code of conduct.
(2) The participant attempted to return needles, syringes, or sharps that were not used for human non-medical drug consumption.
(3) The participant made a material misrepresentation on any of their enrollment forms.
(4) The participant sought payment for items returned on a day when participant had already met the maximum daily payout maximum.
(Added City Record 5/22/2024, eff. 6/21/2024)
Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-138847Fetched: 10/24/2026