Memorial offers safe disposal for hypodermic needles

Area residents who use needles, syringes or lancets in their homes can dispose of them safely at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

The disposal of home-generated needles, syringes and lancets (collectively called "sharps" by the medical profession) has caused concern among families and garbage collection services, as well as landfill and recycling workers.

Memorial's "sharps" program is a free service that operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Sharps may be dropped off at the main reception desk at the medical center, 621 10th St., or at the ER1 Emergency Department, 571 10th St.

All needles must be submitted in a puncture-resistant container, secured with a screw top and labeled with the words "contains needles" or "biohazard."

One should not recap, bend or clip needles. Needles should never be reused.

For more information about the program, call 716-278-4475.