The community can now dispose of their sharps in a safe and responsible manner thanks to a new location announced by Grand Forks Public Health. Medical sharps, including needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. The new drop-off location at the Grand Forks Towing Management Center at 207 S Street. 4th will help prevent future hazards by keeping blades out of the trash.
Sharps must be placed in a sturdy plastic container for disposal, and quart or gallon containers can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacia for less than $3. The pharmacy is located about a block from the sharps disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. The disposal facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for sharps containers under five litres. Larger quantities can be given to the withdrawal management center staff between 9am and 7pm. It is important to note that sharp objects produced by commercial entities are not accepted at the drop-off location.
The program is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmaci and Spectra Health. This new disposal facility replaced the drop-off at Altru Hospital which is currently closed for construction.
The initiative aligns with efforts to reduce the risk of blood-borne pathogens in the community and ultimately contributes to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area. It also provides a convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps, preventing improper disposal in regular trash.