The Grand Forks Public Health department has announced a new location for the community to dispose of sharps. Sharps, including needles, are classified as hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. The new drop-off location at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. will help prevent future hazards by keeping the sharps out of the trash.
According to Michael Dulitz, opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, this initiative will reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps. Containers for drop-off must be sturdy plastic and can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located around the block from the disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for containers under five quarts, while larger quantities can be given to withdrawal management center staff between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. It’s important to note that sharps generated by commercial entities are not accepted at the drop-off location.
The new drop-off facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that is currently closed due to construction, but it is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health. This initiative is an essential step in preventing sharps from being improperly disposed of in regular trash and provides a convenient, safe, and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps while also reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community.
This program aligns with broader efforts to create a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area by promoting responsible waste disposal practices and reducing exposure to potential health risks associated with hazardous materials such as sharps.
In conclusion, this new initiative by Grand Forks Public Health represents an important step towards ensuring that our communities have access to safe and convenient ways to dispose of medical waste like sharps while minimizing potential health risks associated with improper disposal methods.