A new drop-off location has been announced by Grand Forks Public Health for the community to dispose of medical sharps, such as needles, which are considered hazardous waste and cannot be thrown away in regular trash. The new facility is located at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. This initiative aims to prevent potential hazards by keeping sharps out of the trash.
According to Michael Dulitz, opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, this program will reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps. To drop off sharps, they must be placed in a sturdy plastic container that can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located around the block 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 a.m. and 7 p.m. It’s important to note that commercial entities are not accepted at the drop-off location. This new facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that is currently closed due to construction, and is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health.
This new initiative is an essential step in preventing sharps from being improperly disposed of in regular trash and providing a convenient, safe, and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps. It also contributes to efforts to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community, ultimately creating a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area.