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Subject: Disposal of home medical waste
Protect yourself, others and environment Two types of medical waste found in most homes are “sharps” (hypodermic needles and syringes) and leftover medications. By correctly disposing of these wastes, you can protect yourself, protect others, and protect the environment. Sharps include needles, syringes, and lancets, and must be collected in an approved sharps container. According to state law, approved sharps containers are rigid, leak-proof, puncture resistant, sealed, and clearly marked with the bio-hazard symbol. Sharps containers, ranging in price from $3.00 to $11.00, are available at most area pharmacies, Mid-Columbia Healthcare Equipment in The Dalles, and at Hood River Garbage Service in Hood River. Do not throw filled sharps containers into the trash. Sharps containers must be taken to the transfer stations, where free disposal is available: The Dalles Disposal Service at 1317 W First St in The Dalles and Hood River Garbage Service at 2440 Guignard Drive in Hood River.
Unwanted medications should not be flushed down the drain, because this puts chemicals into the water supply, including lakes and rivers. Leftover medications also pose a threat to children, resulting in accidental poisonings. Another problem is intentional prescription drug abuse, especially by teenagers and young adults. The best advice for disposing of unwanted medications is to wrap and conceal the products for disposal in the garbage. A good approach: place unused medications in a small container (can cover with warm water to dissolve pills) then add a substance such as old coffee grounds, kitty litter, flour or sugar. Close the container and place it in a plastic bag. Hide the bag in the trash immediately before garbage pickup time. | |||
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