New York City sanitation workers face rising needle-stick injuries

New York City sanitation workers are experiencing a significant rise in needle-stick injuries, a trend officials link to the increased use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Reports indicate that 57 needle-stick injuries have been recorded among Department of Sanitation workers so far in 2026, surpassing the totals for both 2025 and 2024. Brooklyn has reported the highest number of cases this year, followed by the Bronx and Queens.

In response, the Sanitation Department has launched a public service announcement campaign to educate residents on proper disposal methods. Officials recommend using hard plastic sharps containers or empty laundry detergent bottles labeled ‘household sharps, do not recycle’. Additionally, there are efforts to increase fines for improper needle disposal from $100 to $250 to discourage the practice of tossing loose needles into household trash.