To safeguard patients, the facility, and community members from potential contamination by medical waste, Brooks Hospital reminds us to use proper containers when disposing of household medical needles, syringes and lancets on hospital grounds. Household sharps need to be placed in a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant, and sealable bottle, such as a small laundry detergent bottle or a 1-pound plastic coffee can. The bottle should be marked “Contains Sharps.”

Brooks hospital provides two free sharps disposal bins on hospital grounds.

Loose or individual sharps should never be placed in the bins.

1. An outdoor disposal kiosk, resembling a large, black mailbox, is located near the rear of the hospital on Eagle Street.

2. Oversized containers that do not fit in the outdoor kiosk can be deposited in an inside container in the room next to the hospital’s switchboard.

Julia Spinks, Brooks Director of Environmental Services said, “The community is asked to remember that milk jugs and soda bottles are not rigid or puncture proof and should not be used for this purpose. Please also never leave containers unattended or loose – to protect workers who handle trash and recyclables from illness and injury. In addition to protecting our environment, safe sharps disposal prevents sharps from being re-used or shared, which can spread diseases.

For more information about the Safe SHARPS Disposal program, contact Julia Spinks at 363-7246. Additional information can be found on the New York State Department of Health Household Sharps Disposal program at www.health.ny.gov/publications/0909.pdf.