In an effort to reduce the risk of hazards and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps, Grand Forks Public Health has announced a new drop-off location at the Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. Medical sharps, such as needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. This initiative aims to keep the sharps out of the trash and prevent future hazards in the community.

To properly dispose of sharps, they must be placed in a sturdy plastic container that is readily available for purchase at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located just around the block from the sharps disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. The drop-off 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 commercial entities are not accepted at this drop-off location.

The new drop-off facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off, which is currently closed due to construction. This program is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health. By providing a convenient and safe way for community members to dispose of their sharps, this initiative will contribute to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area.

Sharps generated by commercial entities are not accepted at this drop-off location.

The opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health stated that this initiative will help reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps.

In conclusion, this new drop-off facility is an important step in preventing sharps from being improperly disposed of in regular trash.

This initiative provides a convenient, safe and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps.

It aligns with efforts to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community ultimately contributing