When it comes to disposing of medical sharps--such as needles, syringes and more--there is only one true safe method: Bring them to your local pharmacies.
Rick Aho, director of the
Marquette County Solid Waste Authority, says the sharps program, which is free to use and is sponsored by every local pharmacy in Marquette County with the exception of Walmart and Target, is the only safe option.
"It protects the Authority employees," says Aho. "The materials still go in the landfill, but they are isolated."
Instead of being dumped in the general trash where the sharps can be a danger to the general public, collection personnel and landfill operators, the sharps brought to pharmacy drop off locations are separated from the regular solid waste.
While a lot of people who handle sharps try to take the safe route and place them in a sealed bottle or sharps container, it still isn't safe for those who have to handle the garbage.
"Material that is put in the normal trash is not contained," explains Aho. "Even when placed in a sealed bottle, processing breaks the bottle and exposes the needles."
The sharps program, however, ensures the needles cannot be exposed to the workers.
"Collected sharps are isolated and will never be disturbed," explains Aho. "They are buried with the asbestos."
To drop off your sharps, simply place them in a two-liter, clear pop bottle with the label removed--or a similar containment device--and drop them off at a Marquette County pharmacy.
For more information about the sharps program, contact your local pharmacy.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Rick Aho, Marquette County Solid Waste Authority
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