Chippewa County Department of Public Health offers residents an easy and safe way to dispose of used sharps. For $5.00 per sharps container, you can drop off your used needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors (such as epi and insulin pens), infusion sets, and connection needles/sets at our front desk during regular business hours.

Container Options for Used Sharps

Used sharps must be placed in a strong, plastic container to be disposed of safely. There are many types of containers available.

FDA-Cleared Sharps Containers are specifically made to hold used sharps and may be provided with new sharps by a healthcare professional or purchased. You may purchase an FDA-cleared sharps container at Chippewa County Department of Public Health for $5.00.

If you do not have an FDA-cleared container, you must use Strong, Plastic Containers with secure screw-on caps, such as empty laundry detergent or bleach bottles. We will not accept sharps in containers such as coffee cans, milk jugs, plastic bags, aluminum cans, or soda bottles, as they are unsuitable for sharp objects.

How to Dispose of Sharps Safely

To reduce the risk of injury, follow these four steps to get medical sharps ready for safe disposal.

1. Prepare Sharps: Use needle clippers to cut off sharp points or put the cover back on needles if they are your own.
2. Use the Right Containers: Place sharps in strong, puncture-resistant containers with secure screw-on caps. You can use special sharps containers or thick plastic bottles, like those used for laundry detergent. We will not accept sharps in coffee cans, milk jugs, plastic bags, aluminum cans, or soda bottles. Note: Do not add bleach to the container, as it can be hazardous.
3. Label the Container: Write "biohazard," "infectious waste," or "sharps" on the container. If it's recyclable, mark it "Do not recycle."
4. Dispose of the Container: When the container is full, seal it tightly and label it. Keep it away from children. Take it to a sharps collection station or follow other approved disposal methods.

For more information about where to take expired or unused medications, visit our harm reduction page. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and clean!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of sharps can I dispose of at the Chippewa County Department of Public Health?

You can dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors (such as EpiPens and insulin pens), infusion sets, and connection needles/sets.

What types of containers are acceptable for disposing of sharps?
We accept FDA-cleared sharps containers and strong, plastic containers with secure screw-on caps, such as those used for laundry detergent or bleach. We do not accept sharps in coffee cans, milk jugs, plastic bags, aluminum cans, or soda bottles.

How should I prepare sharps for disposal?
To prepare sharps for disposal:

1. Use needle clippers to cut off sharp points or put the cover back on the needles if they are your own.
2. Place sharps in strong, puncture-resistant containers with secure screw-on caps.
3. Label the container as "biohazard," "infectious waste," or "sharps." If it's recyclable, mark it "Do not recycle."
4. Seal the container tightly when full and take it to a sharps collection station.

Can I dispose of sharps in any public trash bin?
No, sharps should not be disposed of in public trash bins. Always use approved sharps containers and follow the disposal methods outlined on this page to ensure safety.

What if I have additional questions about sharps disposal?
If you have more questions or need further assistance, contact us at 715-726-7900 or visit our Harm Reduction page for additional resources.