The Grand Forks community now has a new and convenient way to dispose of sharps, thanks to a new drop-off facility at the Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. Medical sharps, including needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. This initiative, led by the opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, Michael Dulitz, aims to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer disposal method for sharps.

To use the facility, sharps must be placed in a sturdy plastic container that can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. Containers in quart or gallon sizes are available at the pharmacy, which 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 drop-off facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that was closed due to construction. The program is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health.

The new initiative is an essential step in preventing sharps from being improperly disposed of in regular trash, providing a convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps. It also aligns with efforts to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area.

In conclusion, this initiative is an important step towards ensuring public safety and reducing potential health risks associated with improperly disposing of medical sharps. By utilizing this convenient and responsible method for disposal, community members can help prevent harm to themselves and others while contributing to a safer and healthier environment for all residents of Grand Forks area.