(Waukesha, WI) – During International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, Waukesha County would like to remind residents that proper disposal of medical sharps reduces health risks for solid waste collection workers. Wisconsin medical waste rules require safe management and disposal of sharps to prevent accidental needle sticks and other sharps injuries.
“Properly disposing of sharps, such as needles and lancets, help ensure that workers, who are providing a service to us all, remain safe,” said Analiese Smith, Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste Supervisor. “There are a variety of easy, safe ways to properly dispose of these items.”
Residents should utilize options for proper disposal as incorrect disposal of medical sharps is not only dangerous, but also illegal.
Safe Sharps Disposal Options
- Take sharps to a registered collection station. To find a site in Waukesha County go to www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling and click on Residential Product Disposal, then click the Medical icon.
- 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.
