The Grand Forks community now has a new location to safely dispose of medical sharps, such as needles, which are considered hazardous waste and cannot be thrown away in regular trash. The new drop-off facility is located at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. 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 way to dispose of sharps.

To properly dispose of sharps at the drop-off location, they must be placed in a sturdy plastic container that can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located around the block from the sharps disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. The drop-off facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for containers under five quarts. 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 is currently closed due to construction. The program is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health.

The initiative to properly dispose of sharps is an essential step in preventing them from being improperly discarded in regular trash. It provides a convenient, safe, and responsible way for community members to get rid of their sharps while reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and contributing to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area.

This new initiative highlights how various organizations in Grand Forks are working together to promote public health and safety by providing accessible resources for proper waste disposal. By taking responsibility for our waste and ensuring it’s handled appropriately, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations to come.