What Do I Do With…? Recycle More. Waste Less. SO, not everything can be recycled. And of what’s left for disposal, there are some things that shouldn’t just be tossed in the trash. We’re here to help! If you have questions about how to dispose of a particular item, email your questions to [email protected]. Even if it isn’t recyclable, we can let you know how to properly handle the waste that you have. This month we’re tackling the subject of medical and biohazard waste. What do you do with any bottles of old prescriptions or used syringes that may be in your house? Here’s the scoop:* Pharmaceuticals (medicines) Pharmaceuticals—especially prescription medicines (for humans and animals)—can potentially be both a health hazard and environmental pollutant; alternate disposal options should be considered before flushing them down a toilet or throwing them out for disposal in a landfill. These materials can be collected and brought to Frederick County’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off events, where they will be collected for proper disposal, at no charge. Prescription medicines must be in their original container with the label identifying the contents still intact in order to be accepted. Two drop off events are held each year, in the spring and fall. The next Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off day will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011, from 8 am until 12 pm at the Public Safety Training Facility, located at 8349 Reichs Ford Road in Frederick. For more information, click here. Sharps (hypodermic needles) Improperly disposing of sharps used at home can pose a public health risk. If not properly secured, discarded needles may expose your trash collection crew and other waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection. There are two main routes for handling needles and syringes: return/exchange or disposal. Specialized containers may be purchased that allow you to mail or drop off needles at designated private collection centers. For a list of companies that provide this service, contact the Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal at 800- 643-1643 or online at www.safeneedledisposal.org . Patients using sharps may also find assistance with exchange or disposal through their primary care physician and may want to ask their doctor’s office whether this service is offered. Otherwise, in Frederick County, residents may place used needles and syringes inside a sturdy, rigid plastic container (not soft plastic, such as a milk jug, which might be punctured) with a narrow opening; good examples would include laundry detergent containers or bleach bottles. Mark the container “DO NOT RECYCLE”. When it is full, tape the container securely shut and place it in your household trash for regular disposal. *It is important to note that this disposal information pertains only to household medical items. By law, businesses have different medical waste disposal criteria. Top Tips for Recycling Right Pop quiz! What are the top 3 things YOU can do to improve the way the recycling program works? 3. Take a look at the picture on the lid of your cart to see what’s recyclable and don’t put questionable items inside. When in doubt, throw it out! (Or ask us; if you post your question on www.Facebook.com/FrederickRecycles everyone can learn from your inquiry!) 2. Place the cart so that the arrows on the top of the lid face toward the street, and make sure it’s at least 4 feet away from obstructions (such as mailboxes or trees) and no more than 6 feet from the street. 1. Don't set your recyclables out for collection inside plastic bags! (Except for bags of bags.) Following these simple guidelines helps keep the recycling program running smoothly and efficiently! Thank you! Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management Volume 3, Issue 1 - March 2011 Upcoming Events of Interest April 1-3 Tot Swap Consignment Sale Frederick Fairgrounds. Promoting reuse of clothing, toys and more. Info at: www.TotSwap.net April 9 Frederick County Parks & Recreation Dept.’s Nature Fest 11am-4pm Join us in celebrating the opening of the new Cactoctin Creek Park. Click here for more info. April 16 Frederick’s Earth Day 12pm-4pm Find the DSWM information booth as part of the festivities along Carroll Creek Park. Click here for more info. April 30 DSWM & Norseman Environmental’s Truckload Compost Bin Sale 9am-3pm: Fredericktowne Mall Get a bargain on an Earth Machine compost bin. April 30 Grand Reopening of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Local resource for reuse of construction and household materials. More info at: 301-662-2988 May 21 DSWM Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Event 8am-12pm: Public Safety Training Facility, 8349 Reichs Ford Rd . Click here for more info.
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