Sharps and prescription medication disposal Oct. 25 at four Oneida County locations

Dispose of your medical sharps on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Oneida County solid waste department (7450 County Highway K in Rhinelander) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sharps must be packaged safely and will only be accepted at the Oneida County solid waste department.

According to the state 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 www.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 is confidential. 

Drug Take Back locations include (open Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.):

• Rhinelander Police Department.

• Three Lakes Police Department. 

• Minocqua Police Department. 

• Oneida County Solid Waste Department. 

Unused medications create unnecessary risk. 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 in your area, go to 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.