Disposing of Needles - Posted 02/05/09

From Paxtang

Dear Residents:

Did you know that more than three billion injections are given each year outside of the traditional healthcare setting? These injections are being administered by friends, family members and co-workers who are treating various medical conditions such as diabetes, hepatitis and allergies. Interestingly enough, only a fraction of the needles used in these procedures are properly discarded. In fact, standard needle collection and disposal services for most home and business consumers of needles, syringes and other "sharps" are often not available.

Waste Management is committed to serving your waste disposal needs. In addition, we would like to help our valued customers prevent used needles from entering the solid waste stream. Used needles pose a serious risk to our families, communities and waste workers. So, in partnership with Sharps Compliance, Inc., we are proud to offer the convenient, safe, cost-effective Sharps Disposal By Mail System®.

With Sharps Disposal By Mail System, needle disposal is simple: You receive a specially designed sharps container, a government-approved return shipping box and instructions for use.

Place the used sharps inside the container for safe storage.

When full, place the closed, bagged and sealed container into the postage pre-paid shipping box.

Then place the shipping box in the mail and the box will be delivered to the Sharps Disposal By Mail System processing center.

Once Sharps receives and destroys the container and its contents, you will receive a proof of destruction notice.

If you have any questions or would like to place a Sharps Disposal By Mail System order, please feel free to contact me directly at (717) 730-6617 or tstang@wm.com.

In addition, www.wm.com is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as a communication and information tool for your use.

This system has true flexibility to fit any needle size and is a practical solution for managing used sharps. We truly value your business and look forward to serving your waste and environmental service needs.

Cordially,

Tom Stang Waste Management of Eastern Pennsylvania