Peabody sharps kiosk officially open

PEABODY – The city’s new sharps disposal kiosk is up and running and Peabody officials urge residents to partake in the new safety measure.”There is a growing demand for safer disposal options in the community,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti. “And the proper disposal of needles and syringes not only protects residents but also our public services crews and others who work outside who occasionally come across them.”The acquisition of the kiosk comes in preparation for when the state prohibits home disposal of sharps. Currently, residents are allowed to dump their used syringes and needles into the trash along with the rest of their garbage, although they have to place them in either a tin coffee can or some form of hard plastic, like a detergent bottle. As of July 1, 2010, however, a new Massachusetts law won’t allow that habit to continue.The city first received their kiosk from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in July. Shortly after, city hall staff began specific training on how to assist users, as well as to heighten their own self-awareness.”We are fortunate to be able to offer this service to city residents, as it makes the community a safer place,” said Peabody Public Health Nurse Chassea Golden Robinson.Improper disposal of needles and syringes could be a potential health risk to the public, as they may contain small amounts of blood infected with disease.Local governments and their health departments are now required to develop a safe plan to manage medical waste. Also, the State Sanitary Code states that improper disposal of infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste may result in penalties of up to $25,000 or two years in a house of correction.Peabody Health Director Sharon Cameron said that Peabody’s move to offer a safe disposal option to their residents will improve the community’s overall health.”The benefit is removing it from the waste stream,” she said. “Doing so will reduce the likeliness to find sharps on playgrounds?It’ll make for a safer community.”The mailbox-like kiosk is located in the hallway outside of the Health Department in City Hall. During regular city hall hours, residents may bring their used sharps in leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers, and dispose of them in the kiosk. Acceptable containers include a 1-gallon bleach bottle, 1 pound coffee can, or a 1.5 liter container, as well as personal sharps containers. Loose needles will not be accepted.Cameron said the kiosk itself was delivered and paid for by the state, while the city will cover any costs for training staff and monitoring its use. Its disposal will be handled through the public services.