Brown County Public Health and the Brown County Resource Recovery program are reminding residents that improper disposal of used GLP‑1 needles and other sharps creates a real safety hazard. As more people manage injectable medications at home, the county wants to ensure that waste workers, recycling staff, and water‑treatment employees are protected from accidental needlestick injuries.

Why proper disposal matters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that discarded sharps can puncture garbage bags, break open containers during collection, or be mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. When a needle pierces a bag or a worker is inadvertently exposed, bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis or HIV can be transmitted, leading to potentially serious, life‑altering infections.

What the county recommends

Residents should never place capped or wrapped needles in household trash, recycle them with regular plastics or metals, or flush them down the toilet. Instead, the county advises using an approved sharps container. If a proper container is not available, a strong, puncture‑resistant container with a secure lid and a sharps label – which can be obtained at any collection site – is acceptable.

Once the container is sealed, it should be taken to one of the more than 30 free collection sites that participate in the Brown County Household Sharps Disposal Program. These sites are spread throughout the county, making safe disposal convenient for anyone who uses injectable medications.

Business disposal guidance

Businesses that generate less than 50 pounds of sharps per month can also use the county’s resources. They are directed to a specific online link for detailed instructions on how to handle their waste safely and in compliance with state regulations.

Protecting the community

By following these guidelines, residents help prevent injuries and protect the health of workers who handle waste every day. The county’s message is clear: safe disposal is a shared responsibility that safeguards families, neighbors, and the essential personnel who keep our community clean and healthy.

For a list of household sharps collection sites, visit the Brown County Resource Recovery website. Business owners can find disposal details for smaller generators at the same site.

Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.