For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Christine Bongiorno
Phone: 781-316-3170
Email: CBongiorno@town.arlington.ma.us

*Media Advisory* Arlington Health Department to Host Sharps Collection Event

ARLINGTON — Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services, announces that in conjunction with the Department of Public Works (DPW), officials will host a sharps collection event next month for residents to drop off their used needles, syringes and lancets.

The event is part of DPW’s new monthly recycling center.

“Our goal is to give residents an opportunity to safely dispose of their used medical sharps, as we frequently get inquiries as to where these items can be discarded,” Bongiorno said. “Please remember to put all items in an approved container to ensure those handling them are protected.”

WHAT:

Health officials will be advising the community about the procedure to properly dispose of their sharps. Residents are reminded to never toss needles or syringes in the garbage, where they could potentially harm others.

Instead, the Department of Health and Human Services asks that used sharps be brought to collection events in red bio hazard containers for disposal. These can be purchased online, at your local pharmacy, or through the Department of Health and Human Services at drop-off.

Sharps disposal requests are among the most frequent calls and electronic inquiries the health department receives and, by teaming up with DPW, officials are continuously working to increase the number of opportunities for residents to correctly and safely discard their sharps.

WHEN:

Feb. 6 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

WHERE:

DPW Parking Lot, 51 Grove St.

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