As patients complete more procedures at home, such as self-administering insulin, safely disposing used sharps has become especially important.
Improperly disposing biomedical waste, such as needles, syringes with needles, and diagnostic lancets, can risk other residents’ and waste management workers’ health because this waste can transmit hepatitis, AIDS, and other fluid-borne pathogens. Sharps can also clog lift stations if they are disposed in the sewer system.
To minimize these risks, DOH-Okeechobee provides an accessible and affordable method to dispose of this type of waste in a safe manner.
Sharps Disposal and container pickup
Dispose used sharps containers and pick up new ones at our office at 1728 NW 9th Ave. in Okeechobee.
Program hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
How it Works
Used needles and other contaminated sharps must be placed in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof container that is closable. Residents can drop off these containers at our office for $5 per container that is one gallon or smaller. You may be charged additional fees for multiple or large containers. After dropping off your container, you will receive a new one for no additional cost.