April 25, 2006

The return of warm weather means that people across Michigan will be headed back to our beaches and parks, and enjoying time on the water. With this increased outdoor activity, there are also increased hazards that can be encountered including finding used syringes in the water or on the shore.

These syringes have the potential to harbor bacteria and viruses that can spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis or HIV, and anyone coming across one is encouraged to use extreme caution to avoid being stuck with the needle. Syringes should only be picked up with protective gloves and placed in a heavy plastic container such as a detergent bottle with a screw-on lid or a coffee can with a taped-down lid. Delivery of the sharps container to a local collection center, such as a household hazardous waste program, a local hospital that provides a community sharps disposal program, or a medical waste collection company is recommended, as placement of the collection container in regular household trash can expose waste collection company workers to potential needle stick injuries.

If multiple syringes are found in an area, individuals should contact the local law enforcement agency, local health department, or the DEQ’s Medical Waste Regulatory Program at 517-241-1320 or 517-335-1146 and report the incident. The DEQ or their representative will investigate the incident and collect the syringes. Improper disposal of multiple syringes may be related to illegal management of medical waste by a doctor or veterinarian’s office, a clinic, or a tattoo facility.

The recommended disposal of syringes and other sharps generated by individuals can be found in a DEQ pamphlet entitled “The Point is…Needles Hurt!” That pamphlet, a list of sharps collection programs and services by county, and other information can be found on the Medical Waste Regulatory Program’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqmedwaste.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised April 25, 2006 by Pat Watson