Many people locally use needles, syringes, and lancets….commonly referred to as sharps to manage their medical conditions at home. However, safe disposal of these used sharps is often neglected, despite being a critical public health issue.
It’s essential to follow proper disposal methods to prevent accidental exposure.
To help with this, the Clay County Health Department has implemented a residential sharps drop-box program. Located at 601 E. 12th St. in Flora, the drop-box is available on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The health department also offers free quart-sized sharps collection containers for residents. Those in need can stop by to pick one up at no cost.
Once the container is full, it can be sealed and returned to the drop-box for safe disposal.
Please note that the Sharps Collection program is exclusively for used medical sharps; needles, syringes, and lancets. Non-medical sharps, such as razors or knives, and loose items are not accepted. All sharps must be placed in a hard, sealed container for disposal.
For any questions about sharps or proper disposal methods, please contact the Clay County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (618) 662-4406.
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