Sharps and prescription medication disposal event Oct. 24

The public is invited to dispose of medical sharps from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Oneida County Solid Waste Department (7450 County HWY K, Rhinelander). According to a press release announcing the event, sharps must be packaged safely and will only be accepted at the Oneida County Solid Waste Department.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, it is important to never put sharp medical items in the trash, recycling, or medication collection drop boxes. 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 safe disposal of household sharps, go to https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/HealthWaste/HouseholdSharps.html. In addition, locations throughout Oneida County will be accepting unused or expired medications on this date during the statewide Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Drug disposal, which will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is confidential.

Drug Take Back locations

Rhinelander Police Department

Three Lakes Police Department

Minocqua Police Department

Oneida County Solid Waste Department (County Highway K)

“Unused medications create unnecessary risk,” the release states. “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 drug disposal locations, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm.

For more information on the Medication and Sharps Take Back Day Event, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 715-369-6111. The Medication and Sharps Take Back Day Event is sponsored by the Oneida County Substance Use Coalition and the Oneida County Health Department.