In an effort to improve public health and safety, Grand Forks Public Health has announced a new location for the community to drop off its sharps. Medical sharps, including needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. The new drop-off facility is located at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St.
This initiative aims to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps. Containers for sharp disposal must be made of sturdy plastic and can be purchased in quart or gallon sizes at Inspire Pharmacy, which is located around the block from the disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. The drop-off facility is open 24/7 for containers under five quarts, while 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 facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that is currently closed due to construction, and is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health. By properly disposing of sharps through this program, community members can contribute to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area.
