The Mid Michigan Waste Authority has launched its Be Smart with Sharps campaign to prevent accidental needle stick injuries to anyone who comes into contact with curbside refuse materials.
According to Mid Michigan Waste Authority, an estimated 9 million Americans use syringes to manage medical conditions at home. If any of those dispose of their needles improperly, such as by tossing loose needles in trash cans or recycling bins, they may pose a serious risk of injury and infection to collection workers, neighbors, children and pets.
“We are concerned about the health and well being of our collection workers, but this really is a broader public safety issue,” said MMWA聽Administrative Director Katharine Tessin in a statement. “Sharps can carry communicable diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis, and if they are loose in curbside trash or recycling, they are a danger to everyone who is passing by.”
The educational campaign has been advertised at local pharmacies, dialysis centers and other health care clinics. There are no regulations for the disposal of household-generated needles, like there are for healthcare facilities. However, the MMWA said people should still safely prepare them for disposal.
“Proper containment includes using an empty rigid plastic receptacle, like a laundry detergent container, to hold used needles,” a press release from MMWA read. “Once the container is two-thirds full, it should be tightly closed and sealed with masking or duct tape. Clearly write ‘SHARPS’ on the container in large letters and discard along with trash, not recycling.”
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