Sharps Disposal Program

Press Release (PDF) |  01/02/2018

OUTAGAMIE AND WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI – Dual county Public Health and Solid Waste/Recycling workgroup develops sharps disposal program in partnership with Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. in Outagamie and Winnebago County.  

The Outagamie and Winnebago County Sharps Disposal Program team formed in early 2016 in response to the increase of sharps found in solid waste and recycling streams. Their goal? To partner with local pharmacies and provide free sharps disposal for the community. “Through community education along with safe and convenient disposal locations, the Sharps Disposal Program is expected to reduce the number of accidental needle sticks experienced by our solid waste/recycling workforce” says Christine Miller, Outagamie County Recycling Coordinator.

Individuals using sharps (needles, lancets, etc.) don’t always understand the importance of proper disposal and may not be aware of disposal options. Winnebago County Health Department Director Doug Gieryn explains, “safe sharps disposal prevents injury and the spread of infections leading to serious health conditions. Increasing access to proper needle disposal and providing free disposal further protects the health of our community.” 

Stickers provided through sharps program:  

The program will focus on the collection of sharps as well as education on the importance of safe sharps disposal. Materials for the program (educational brochures and stickers for the sharps containers) were created with the help of UW Oshkosh Environmental Health and Graphic Design Programs. These materials will be provided to pharmacies located at Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. for distribution to encourage the safe disposal of used sharps. “We are excited our Pick ‘n Save Pharmacies will provide this community resource to simplify healthcare for our current patients as well as for the communities we serve. This partnership will give county residents a safe, convenient solution for disposing their Sharps supplies” Kyle Beyer, Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. Clinical Care Manager.

The program starts its pilot year January 2 and at year end the program will be evaluated for success hopefully leading to a permanent program and model for all Outagamie and Winnebago County pharmacies. Community members can now drop off used sharps in appropriate containers at no cost at the following participating Roundy’s Pharmacy Locations:

  • 2400 W Wisconsin Ave. Appleton WI 54914
  • 2700 N Ballard Rd. Appleton WI 54911
  • 511 W Calumet St. Appleton WI 54915
  • 828 Fox Point Plaza. Neenah WI 54956
  • 1940 Koeller St. Oshkosh WI 54902
In addition to the above Roundy’s Pharmacies, other sharps drop off locations can be found at www.outagamie.org/sharpsdisposal or www.winnebagopublichealth.org.

 

Not able to pick up stickers? You can also print this label and tape it to your collection container.

 

Check our the follow-up story published by the Oshkosh Northwestern.