Free diabetic needle clippers available

Risks associated with unsafe disposal of sharps include needle stick injuries and potential blood-borne infections such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

West Central Solid Waste District is excited to partner with the Putnam County Health Department to provide free needle clippers that safely clip and store up to 1,500 sharps needles (not for use on needles larger than 28g or lancets).

This program is geared toward diabetics and home-based sharps users, and is simple and easy to use.

Putnam County residents can pick up a free needle clipper at the Putnam County Health Department (located inside the Putnam County Hospital at 1542 S. Bloomington St, Ste. 1500, Greencastle). For hours and information, call the Putnam County Health Department at 301-7660.

Although needle clippers are compact and portable, a single clipper can last years versus weeks with a whole syringe container with no expensive mail back fees.

When the clipper is full, simply return it to the Putnam County Health Department to exchange for a new one. Clippers can also be dropped off at WCSWD Tox-Away Days (find dates and locations in the Programs section at www.westcentralswd.com). Replacement clippers are only available through the health department.

Never throw loose needles in the trash or recycling bin. Needles are not recyclable.