Sharps

Kent County residents now have an option for safe disposal of used needles, lancets, and epi-pens. The Kent County Department of Public Works (KCDPW) and the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) are teaming up to ensure safe, confidential and environmentally sound disposal of certain medical materials through the SafeSharps Program.

“Sharps” is the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin. These items frequently end up in the waste stream and can injure waste handlers and other unsuspecting members of the public. Used sharps can transmit serious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. Michigan has no law preventing residents from placing sharps in their household waste.

Since 2016, KCDPW has administered the SafeSharps program allowing Kent County residents to request a free container from any KCHD facility. After completing a brief registration form, KCHD will issue a sterile approved container that users may take home. Once full, the container can be returned to any KCHD facility where it will be exchanged for a new one. KCHD will not accept sharps in any container that was not issued through this program.

KCHD facilities will issue and accept containers during normal business hours (see below) at the following locations:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
8:00am – 11:30am, 12:45pm – 4:45pm

1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of the Month
12:45pm – 4:45pm

2nd/4th Thursdays
10:00am – 12:30pm, 1:45pm – 6:45pm

•Kent County Health Department – 700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
•Sheldon Clinic – 121 Franklin SE, Grand Rapids
•South Clinic – 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood
•North County Clinic – 4388 14 Mile Road NE, Rockford

This item is NOT accepted in curbside recycling and should NOT be placed in the trash.