New Medical Sharps Disposal Site Launched in Grand Forks by Public Health Department – Grand Forks Herald

The Grand Forks community now has a new and convenient location to drop off its sharps, thanks to an initiative by the Public Health department. Medical sharps, including needles, are classified as hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. The new drop-off site at the Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. will help keep the community safe by preventing hazards associated with improper disposal of sharps.

According to Michael Dulitz, the opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, this initiative is crucial in reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and providing a safer way to dispose of sharps. Containers for drop-off must be made of sturdy plastic and can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located just a few blocks away from the sharps disposal site at 360 Division Ave #100.

The drop-off facility is open 24/7 for containers under five quarts, while larger quantities can be given to withdrawal management center staff between 9 am and 7 pm. It’s essential to note that commercial entities’ sharps are not accepted at the drop-off location. This new facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that was recently closed due to construction. The program is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health.

In summary, this new initiative provides a convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps safely. It also aligns with efforts to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone in Grand Forks area.