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A new public
education program by the OSS Solid Waste District is designed to educate residents about the
danger of improper disposal of needles used by diabetics and others who use
needles for medical reasons.
In our three-county solid waste district,
employees of local waste hauling facilities
face the danger of getting “stuck” by
improperly disposed needles every day. If a waste hauler’s employee
gets stuck, they are immediately taken off their route, the area where they
were stuck must be cleaned, and they are on their way to the nearest medical
facility for a battery of tests that include, but are not limited to
tetanus, hepatitis, and even HIV. The employee must then be monitored
for a period of time to be sure that they did not contract anything from the
incident.
Diabetics are just part of the big picture as
syringes are used more and more at home for medical reasons. Are you
disposing of syringes properly? This is the question, and a program that
the District is working on with area pharmacists.
Remember, when you throw away your syringe in the trash bag your garbage
hauler is at risk when they pick up a bag with an exposed needle. A new
campaign, sponsored by the District, targeting safe disposal of needles and
the threat to garbage collectors will address this issue. Look for this ad
in local newspapers and pharmacy counters, and follow these disposal tips to
protect yourself and others:
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Use a Sharp’s container to
dispose of your syringes. These containers are available at some
pharmacies and medical supply stores.
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If you do not have a Sharp’s
container use a wide mouth heavy plastic container with a tight lid,
(detergent or fabric softener container).
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When the container is
two-thirds to three-fourths full, tightly close the container and seal
with masking or heavy adhesive tape.
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Discard in regular trash.
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Note: If you use the
container in the home be sure to place it in an area that is not
accessible to children or visitors.
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Contact your hauler to see
if they have any specific guidelines for the disposal of syringes.
Question on safe needle
disposal may be directed to the District office at 419-334-7222 or
1-888-850-7224, or contact your local health department. |
