Understanding the acquisition and disposal practices of IDU’s is critical to understanding IDUs’ risk of blood-borne viral infections, as well as the risk posed to other individuals. As such, the current study examined the syringe acquisition, use, and disposal practices of 294 IDU’s between the ages of 15 and 30 years in Baltimore, MD, who had been recruited through targeted outreach efforts into a prospective study of HIV infection. All participants had initiated injection drug use within the past 5 years. Blood samples were collected to assess HIV and hepatitis C virus status and survey questionnaires were administered by interviewers to assess history and frequency of drug use, injection risk behaviors, syringe acquisition and disposal procedures, drug treatment history, and risk taking history. Results of statistical analyses indicated that in the 6 months prior to the interview, 25 percent of participants engaged in safe syringe acquisition and 47 percent reported safe disposal practices. Multivariate analyses suggested that, after controlling for demographic factors, injecting for more than 2 years, obtaining 2 or more syringes per pickup, using a syringe for more than 5 injections, and safe disposal practices were all significantly associated with safe syringe acquisition. Factors significantly associated with safe syringe disposal included injecting daily and safe syringe acquisition practices. Implications for HIV prevention programs include the need to create innovative, accessible acquisition and disposal schemes. Future research is needed on young IDU’s acceptance and use of possible safe disposal and acquisition schemes. Tables, references