A new sharps disposal location has been announced by Grand Forks Public Health, which will help prevent hazards and provide a safer way to dispose of medical sharps. The drop-off facility is located at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St., and it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for containers of sharps under five quarts. Larger quantities can be given to withdrawal management center staff between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Sharps must be placed in a sturdy plastic container for drop-off, and containers in quart or gallon sizes can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located around the block from the sharps disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and aligns with efforts to create a safer and healthier environment in the Grand Forks area.
Medical sharps, including needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in normal trash, so this new drop-off location will help prevent improper disposal of these items. The opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, Michael Dulitz, stated that this initiative will help reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps.
This new drop-off facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that was closed due to construction, but it is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health. It’s important to note that larger quantities of sharps generated by commercial entities are not accepted at this location.
In conclusion, this new sharps disposal initiative is an important step towards preventing hazards and creating a safer environment in Grand Forks area by providing a convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of their medical sharps properly without improperly disposing them into normal trash which can cause harm to individuals and environment alike.