I don't use a fresh needle with every project, but my machine, fabric and time are too valuable to waste with a questionable needle. The person who taught me to quilt said that the things to do immediately if you have a stitching problem are to rethread, clean and oil the machine and replace the needle. It still surprises me how often a needle problem I don't see of feel exists.
I have a plastic corn starch container with a slit cut by my DH that I use for my "dead" needles and rotary blades.