In order to ensure the safety and health of the community, Grand Forks Public Health has announced a new sharps disposal location at the Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. Medical sharps, such as needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. This new initiative will help prevent future hazards by keeping sharps out of the trash.

Sharps must be placed in a sturdy plastic container for drop-off, which 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 of sharps that are 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 sharps generated by commercial entities are not accepted at the drop-off location.

This new drop-off facility has replaced 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. This initiative is an important step in preventing sharps from being improperly disposed of in regular trash and provides a convenient, safe and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps while contributing to efforts to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community ultimately leading to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the Grand Forks area