[greenyes] Sharps in the wastestream

["Buford Hill" <garbageman@no.address>]

Dickenson County, VA has a county ordinance that requires proper containment of household sharps that are placed in the solid waste stream. Solid Waste Employees have also dispersed flyers to help educate the public in the proper disposal of household sharps. This education program was started by an employee with the collection crew that was stuck by a needle at a curbside pickup stop. Since his departure from county employment this problem has not been addressed any further, although it still poses a threat to the health of the collection personell. 
The following is the County Ordinance and wording of the flyer that was distributed.

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Dickenson County Solid Waste Ordinance

Section 9:  Unacceptable Waste or Wastes Requiring Special Handling

I .  Scalpels, Hypodermic Instruments, and Other Sharp Instruments or Devices:

It shall be unlawful for any person to dispose of or discard any scalpel, hypodermic syringe, Hypodermic needle, any instrument or device for making hypodermic injections, any scalpel or other sharp instrument or device without first placing the same in a puncture resistant container for disposal. The container should be located as close to practicable to the use area. Soft plastic containers or containers which may not be puncture resistant shall not be used, and puncture resistant containers so used shall be capped or closed securely, and shall be wrapped with paper or other suitable covering. It shall be unlawful for any person to dispose of or discard any hypodermic syringe, hypodermic needle or any instrument or device for making hypodermic injections before first breaking, disassembling, destroying or otherwise rendering the same inoperable and incapable of reuse. All such instruments or devices to be disposed of shall be wrapped or secured in a suitable manner so as to avoid the possibility of causing injury to the collection personnel.

This violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. 
Punishment for a conviction is, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500 , either or both.

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PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR INSULIN NEEDLES
Disposing of your used Insulin Needles the proper way will insure your safety as well as the Solid Waste employee that handles your trash.

Please place your used Needles in a puncture resistant container.  An empty plastic jug will do fine.  You can use a soda bottle or even a milk jug, as long as the lid is a screw on type.  Make sure that you replace the lid tightly.

After placing your used Needles in the container, place the container separate from your normal trash. You can do this by putting it in a separate bag and labeling it NEEDLES.

This will not only help prevent injuries to you and your family but also to the Solid Waste employee that collects your trash.

Please remember, proper disposal is not only your responsibility, It is the LAW.

If you have any questions, please ask your Pharmacist 
or 
Contact the Dickenson County Board of Supervisors Office 
ph # 926-1676

We are here to Help.  Thank You
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Buford Hill
Recycle, Garbage is a terrible thing to Waste.
http://www.garbageman.dickensonctyva.net/