How to properly dispose of medical needles – Upper Michigan’s Source

Report on Safe Disposal of Medical Needles in Marquette County

Introduction

Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority has reported an increase in the improper disposal of medical needles, which poses significant health and safety risks. This issue directly impacts Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, by threatening the safety of waste management workers and the community.

Current Challenges

• Employees at the waste management facility have suffered injuries from needle sticks, requiring hospital visits.
• Operations at the recycling floor must be halted whenever needles are detected, disrupting waste processing.

Safe Disposal Measures

Josh Wales, the Marquette County Solid Waste Materials Management Supervisor, emphasized the importance of proper needle disposal to protect public health and ensure safe working conditions. The authority offers the following disposal options aligned with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production:

1. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection: Conducted once a month from May to October at the landfill site, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
2. Appointment-Based Disposal: Residents can schedule appointments year-round to safely dispose of needles.

Community Engagement and Information Access

• Residents are encouraged to visit the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority website for detailed information and scheduling: https://mcswma.com/
• The authority’s Facebook page provides updates and educational resources: https://www.facebook.com/MCSWMA/

Conclusion

Proper disposal of medical needles is essential to safeguard community health and maintain efficient waste management operations. These efforts contribute to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting safe practices and reducing environmental hazards.

Additional Resources

• Watch local news and updates via TV6 livestream: TV6 Livestream
• Subscribe to the official YouTube channel for ongoing coverage: WLUC YouTube
• Download the TV6+ app for the latest local news and weather: TV6+

Image Source: Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority Facility

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights health risks associated with improper disposal of medical needles, such as injuries to waste management employees.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article discusses proper disposal methods for hazardous household waste, including medical needles, promoting sustainable waste management practices.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Ensuring safe waste disposal contributes to safer and more sustainable communities.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.”
   • The article’s focus on preventing needle injuries aligns with reducing health risks from hazardous waste.
2. SDG 12 – Target 12.4: “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle…”
   • The article promotes safe disposal of medical needles via household hazardous waste collection programs.
3. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.”
   • Proper needle disposal reduces environmental hazards in the community.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning.
   • Implied by the concern over injuries caused by needle sticks to waste workers.
2. Indicator for SDG 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment.
   • The article implies measurement of hazardous waste collection and safe disposal rates through household hazardous waste programs.
3. Indicator for SDG 11.6.1: Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities out of total municipal waste generated.
   • The article references the management authority’s role in controlling hazardous waste disposal.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: uppermichiganssource.com