The Grand Forks Public Health department has announced the launch of a new location for disposing of sharps, which includes medical needles. These items are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in ordinary trash. The new drop-off location at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. will help prevent potential hazards by keeping sharps away from landfills.

According to Michael Dulitz, opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, this initiative will not only reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community but also provide a safer method for disposing of sharps. To ensure safe disposal, all sharps must be placed inside a sturdy plastic container, which can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy located around the block from the drop-off site at 360 Division Ave #100. Containers in either quart or gallon sizes cost less than $3 each.

The facility is open 24/7 for containers under five quarts and larger quantities can be given to withdrawal management center staff between 9 am and 7 pm. It’s important to note that commercial entities are not allowed to bring their sharps to this location. This new drop-off facility has replaced an existing one at Altru Hospital due to construction and is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health.