Pasco County Sharps Program
The "Sharps" program provides diabetics and people who administer self injections at home with a means to dispose of their "Sharps": needles, syringes, tubes and other sharps in a very safe manner.
This household biomedical waste management program is one of the department's "success stories." The program provides a much-needed service for a special segment of County residents with little cost to the County. While County staff spends time and efforts educating the public and promoting this program, nearly all costs of collection and proper disposal of biomedical wastes are paid for by the program sponsors. Pasco County was the first county to have such a comprehensive program within the State. Today this program has been duplicated by more than half of the 67 counties in Florida.
It is estimated that nearly 14,000 insulin-dependent people reside in Pasco County in addition to seasonal visitors who use sharps (needles). Furthermore, there are others whose medical conditions require the use of injected medication. At a minimum of one injection per day, one million needles enter the solid waste stream annually in our county. In the past, these needles clogged our Lift Stations (sewer system), ended up at our recycling centers, punctured and put at risk garbage workers, not to mention they are a threat to public safety. Today, with nine hospitals and institutions sponsoring this program, participation by the residents is increasing and the utilization of this service diminishes the risk to public health.
This program is very simple and the sponsoring hospitals and institutions are easily accessible. The program calls for you, the participant, to go to one of the designated locations during work hours. Obtain a red "Sharps" container and take it home. Use the container until filled with biomedical waste; seal the container and take it back to the same location. Exchange the full container for a new one. Use the services as needed.
For more information on sponsors,
locations,
hours of operation contact the department.
If you would like to become a sponsor,
please contact the department for the details of the program.
Sponsors are more than welcome.
Environmental & HazWaste Programs
Coordinator,
(727) 847-8041.