
BlogSaturday, March 14 2015
North Carolina Safe SharpsThe Problem With Sharps Needles In North CarolinaEach year, some 8 million home syringe users administer at least 3 billion injections outside of traditional healthcare facilities. The vast majority are at home injections for diabetes, allergies, arthritis, migraines, HIV and other medical issues. In North Carolina these needles are then tossed into the public solid waste system – into trash cans, old milk cartons and plastic bottles; flushed down the toilet; or discarded in ways (often unknowingly) that pose the risk of injury or infection to others when containers break open or are mistakenly sent to the wrong facilities. The headlines are filled with stories of janitors, housekeepers and even children who have been seriously injured by discarded needles. Many other workers – those on sorting floors, in recycling lines and landfill operations – are also placed unnecessarily at risk. Despite the growing problems associated with improper disposal of sharps, there are no consistent regulations or guidelines for their safe disposal in North Carolina. The SolutionCarolina Biohazard Sharps servcie will collect and properly dispose of these sharps in a community outreach “Safe Sharps Program In Lumberton North Carolina.” Individuals can purchase sharps containers from us. Once full, bring the canisters (or any approved sharps container) to the IQ Environmental treatment facility and we will dispose of them properly at no charge for city residents, non commercial healthcare providers. In addition, we will publish a list periodically where we will be located and containers can be dropped off at locations around the North Carolina area free of charge. |
