For the Tomahawk Leader
ONEIDA COUNTY – Those with unwanted medical sharps or prescription medications will have the opportunity to dispose of them this month.
Medical sharps can be disposed of at the Oneida County Solid Waste Department, 7450 County Rd. K, Rhinelander, on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A release from the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) said sharps must be packaged safely and will only be accepted at the Solid Waste Department.
“According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), it is important to never put sharp medical items in the trash, recycling or medication collection drop boxes,” OCHD stated. “Medical sharps, such as needles, syringes and lancets, pose a risk for injury and exposure to diseases for anyone who comes in contact with them. It is important to properly package and dispose of all sharps.”
For more information on the safe disposal of household sharps, visit www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/HealthWaste/HouseholdSharps.html.
Various locations throughout Oneida County will accept unused or expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, as part of the statewide Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Sites for disposal will be the Rhinelander Police Department, 201 N. Brown St., Rhinelander; the Minocqua Police Department, 418 E. Chicago Ave., Minocqua; the Three Lakes Police Department, 1795 Erie St., Three Lakes; and the Oneida County Solid Waste Department.
Drug disposal is confidential.
“Unused medications create unnecessary risk,” OCHD stated. “Properly disposing of prescription painkillers helps keep them out of the hands of youth. You should never flush or drain your unused prescriptions medications. Together, we can help prevent prescription painkiller abuse and addiction.”
To find more local drug disposal locations, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm.
For additional information on the Drug and Sharps Take Back Day event, contact OCHD at 715-369-6111.