Sharps
Household generated "SHARPS" are accepted at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF) FREE of charge from residents who treat themselves for medical conditions such as diabetes. (Business generated "SHARPS" are NOT accepted.)
Only the following are accepted:
- Needles
- Syringes
- Lancets
- Test Strips
NO mercury-bearing waste (thermometers, button/hearing aid batteries), chemotherapy waste, solid waste, hazardous waste or other regulated medical waste should be included in the sharps container. If you have questions about potential sharps waste that aren't on the above list, call 507-328-7070.
Procedure:
- Place the "SHARPS" in puncture resistant containers (preferably plastic opaque detergent containers or pharmaceutical sharps containers, but plastic pop and milk containers with a twist cap will also be accepted).
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- Label the container "SHARPS" secure the twist cap. (Containers will not be accepted if they are not properly packaged or contain any waste other than the above-mentioned "SHARPS" material).
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- Bring the container to the HWF where each participant will be responsible for handling and disposing of their own "SHARPS" container. The container of "SHARPS" will be scanned with a radiation detector to determine if any radioactive materials are present. If radioactive or unacceptable materials are detected, the "SHARPS" container will be rejected.
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- Each participant will be escorted to the "SHARPS" collection container where the participant will place the "SHARPS" container into a red "bio-infectious" waste bag. The participant will tie the bag closed by knotting the bag or by using a twist tie. Then the participant will place the bag into the "SHARPS" collection container.
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Household generated "SHARPS" can be brought to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility at 305 Silver Creek Road NE in Rochester during open hours. Open hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 507-328-7070 if you have questions.