Medical Sharps Disposal Kiosk at North Reading Police Department

The North Reading Community Impact Team (NRCIT) is pleased to announce the installation of a medical sharps disposal kiosk at North Reading Police headquarters. The NRCIT has contracted with Waste Management Incorporated in order to provide and maintain the sharps disposal kiosk. The kiosk is designed to safely accept used medical sharps which include syringes and lancets etc.

Improper management of discarded needles and other sharps can pose a health risk to the public and waste workers. For example, discarded needles may expose waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection when containers break open inside garbage trucks or needles are mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. Janitors and housekeepers also risk injury if loose sharps poke through plastic garbage bags. Used needles can transmit serious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.

According to Waste Management Inc., “Up to 800,000 people are injured from improperly handled and discarded sharps every year in this country.” Discarded sharps include used syringes, lancets and as well as any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin.

Residents utilizing the disposal unit should contain there used sharps, preferably in a registered sharps container, similar to the image included with this post. The kiosk will accept a ridged, sealed container no larger than a half gallon milk container. Unsecured medical sharps are not permitted inside the kiosk.

There are now two disposal units in the NRPD headquarters lobby, one for unwanted prescription medications and one for used medical sharps. Please verify the correct kiosk is utilized when disposing of items. Each will be clearly marked.

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