Health department announces new sharps disposal site
Wisconsin law requires everyone to dispose of sharps separately from other waste. This minimizes the risk for injury and prevents the potential spread of infections.
Clark County residents now have a new option for disposing of used needles, lancets, syringes, infusion sets, autoinjectors and other sharps devices. Utilizing funding allocated to Clark County from the 2021 national opioid settlement, Clark County and the City of Owen have partnered together to place a large, outdoor sharps kiosk at the Owen City Hall, 833 W. Third St. The kiosk functions similarly to an outdoor mail receptacle, in that individuals open a compartment on the front of the container, place their unwanted sharps inside, close the compartment and then let their sharps fall down into a chute and collection container. The kiosk is tamper-resistant and can hold up to 18 gallons of sharps.
Prior to disposal, all materials should be placed inside small puncture-proof containers (coffee cans and laundry detergent bottles will not fit). The opening of the receptacle only measures 4 inches by 13.5 inches. Products that are not appropriate for this container include prescription medications, aerosol cans, inhalers, liquids, garbage and hazardous chemicals.
Going forward, the county would like to deter stockpiling and promote the safe handling, storage and transportation of sharps. Personal-sized (one quart) red biohazard containers are now available for free to the public at the following locations: Abbotsford City Hall/Public Library, Colby Community Library, Loyal Public Library, Thorp Public Library, the secure entrance at the Clark County Courthouse and Owen City Hall. Once full, these small biohazard containers can be placed directly inside the Owen kiosk. The intent of the new community kiosk is to promote public safety and fill a gap in services. Individuals are welcome to dispose of their sharps at any time. Medications and other hazardous materials should not be placed in the sharps kiosk. Unused or outdated medications should be taken to a medication disposal unit at one of the following locations: Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Colby Abbotsford Police Department, Loyal Police Department or Thorp City Hall. For additional sharps or medication disposal options, visit the Clark County Health Department’s “Resources” page at www.clarkcountywi.gov/ ph-resources.
