Special Wastes: Dealing with Medical Sharps and Pharmaceuticals Shannon Judd Environmental Education/Outreach Coordinator Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa ITEP Source Reduction Training September 2011

Definitions Medical Sharps: Needles, syringes and other sharps used to give injections, draw blood, etc. Medical Sharps: Needles, syringes and other sharps used to give injections, draw blood, etc. Pharmaceutical Waste: Unwanted, unused, expired medications. Pharmaceutical Waste: Unwanted, unused, expired medications. Controlled: Pharmaceuticals whose distribution and use is more monitored and controlled due to the risk of dependancy or abuse. (i.e. morphine, methadone, hydrocodone.) Controlled: Pharmaceuticals whose distribution and use is more monitored and controlled due to the risk of dependancy or abuse. (i.e. morphine, methadone, hydrocodone.) Uncontrolled: All other medications that are not listed under controlled. Uncontrolled: All other medications that are not listed under controlled.

Medical Sharps Why are they a concern? Why are they a concern? Risk of Infection Risk of Infection Risk of Injury Risk of Injury Risk of Spreading Disease Risk of Spreading Disease

Medical Sharps Fond du Lac Sharps Collection Min No Aya Win Human Services distributes stickers and buckets to patients. Collection containers in restrooms at Black Bear Casino Resort, the Fond du Lac Tribal Center and other locations. No collection at FdL Waste Site

Medical Sharps Guidelines for Proper Disposal: Put sharps in hard plastic container with cap/lid (i.e. detergent bottles, pop bottles) Label the container When 2/3 full, tape lid on and bring into collection site

Stickers for Sharps Containers

Medical Sharps Safety Measures for Waste Site Staff Require Hepatitis Vaccinations for all Waste Site Staff Require Hepatitis Vaccinations for all Waste Site Staff Educate your staff on potential hazards Educate your staff on potential hazards Provide proper protective gear: gloves, boots Provide proper protective gear: gloves, boots Steel-shanked, steel-toed boots Steel-shanked, steel-toed boots Puncture-resistant gloves Puncture-resistant gloves Turtleskin: Gloves.aspx Turtleskin: Gloves.aspxhttp:// Gloves.aspxhttp:// Gloves.aspx

Pharmaceuticals Why are they a concern? Potential Health Hazard Potential Environmental Hazard No more flushing!!!

Pharmaceuticals Fond du Lac Pharmaceutical Collection Began August 2011 Legal and Clinic Staff Spearheaded Effort; Environmental provided input Main drive was to provide disposal for controlled substances and to provide means of disposal in an environmentally friendly manner Researched regulations – Controlled substance must be in presence of police officers at all times

Pharmaceuticals Fond du Lac Pharmaceutical Collection Cont… Drop box for controlled substances located at the Police Station Pharmacy can take non- controlled substances Policy on Medication Disposal Developed Verbal approval obtained from DEA

Pharmaceuticals Instructions for Medication Disposal 1. Leave medication in the original container. 2. Remove any personal information, such as name, address, phone number. 3. Leave the name of the medication. 4. Drop the medication into the disposal box opening.

Pharmaceuticals Collection Options Annual, Semi-annual, Quarterly Collection Continuous Collection If no collection options are available, advise people of proper disposal: 1) Scratch out personal information 2) Fill container with cat litter, sawdust, liquid or other material and tape shut 3) Put in non-transparent bag and dispose of in the trash

Medical Sharps and Pharmaceuticals Getting Started Communicate with local officials, health care facilities, and solid waste management staff Incorporate special wastes into your management plans and ordinances Locate disposal options in your region Community Outreach

Questions? Shannon Judd Environmental Outreach Coordinator Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa