Used sharps and unwanted drugs to be collected
Date: 4/26/2013
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comCHICOPEE — If you missed the special "take back" day for unwanted prescription drugs and used needles, lancets and syringes, don't worry.
Lisa Sanders the director of the Health Department told
Reminder Publications the city would soon have a permanent disposal programs for "sharps." Sanders said she has ordered a kiosk designed for the collection of sharps that will be located at the senior center and available for any city resident to use. She anticipates it will be installed in June.
As of July 1, 2012, it is illegal to dispose of sharps with household trash in the Commonwealth. The used sharps must be brought to a designated facility for disposal.
Sanders said the special take back day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 27 at the Health Department, which is located in the rear of the public safety complex at 15 Court St. Left-over prescription drugs and used needles, lancets and syringes will be accepted. The sharps must be in puncture-proof containers such as sealed jars or cans and the city cannot accept chemo drugs, IV bags or any type of liquid.
Sanders said the last time the city sponsored a prescription take back day was in 2011 and expects a good turnout.
Sanders recommended that if city residents with unwanted drugs miss the take back day, they crushed the pills into power, mix it with either kitty litter or coffee grounds and place in the trash.
