Reminder for Safe Disposal of Medical Supplies During International Sharps Injury Prevention Month

Waukesha County would like to remind residents that proper disposal of medical sharps reduces health risks for curbside collection crews and recycling facility workers. December is International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month and Wisconsin medical waste rules require safe management and disposal of sharps to prevent accidental needle sticks and other sharps injuries.

“Incorrect disposal of medical sharps, such as needles and lancets, have the potential to create dangerous situations for workers through accidental needlesticks,” said Analiese Smith, Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste Supervisor. “There are a variety of easy, safe ways to properly dispose of these items.”

Improper disposal is not only hazardous, but also illegal. Residents should utilize options for proper disposal of their medical sharps.

Safe Sharps Disposal Options

• Take sharps to a registered collection station. To find a site in Waukesha County visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/medicalequipment.
• Use a "mail-back" sharps program, which can be found by searching the internet. The company should provide containers and packaging which meet U.S. postal regulations.
• Contact your pharmacy, doctor, clinic or local hospital. Many health care facilities accept sharps but are not legally required to register, therefore, may not appear on the list of registered sharps collection stations.

More Information About Sharps Disposal

For more information, disposal publications and other locations for safe disposal of medical sharps in Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/HealthWaste/HouseholdSharps.html

###