Why can’t needles, syringes or lancets be thrown in the trash?

The general public can be at direct risk to injuries from sharps. If these hazardous materials are not separated from standard waste, individuals can unknowingly come in contact with them. In addition, if sharps waste is not disposed, and removed from the environment, then it can be subject to reuse and misuse (both intentional and unintentional).

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1. What type of payment is accepted?
2. What is include in the fee?
3. Can sharps containers be dropped of at any of the Shelby County Health Department’s satellite locations?
4. Can I purchase more than one container at a time?
5. Why is it important to properly dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets?
6. Why can’t needles, syringes or lancets be thrown in the trash?
7. What are the hours of operations?