Queen Creek has tips for disposing medical waste

Queen Creek has a reminder for residents: Do not throw medical needles and syringes in recycling bins.

“Items like needles, syringes, and lancets can seriously injure sanitation workers and contaminate recycling. Please dispose of them safely using approved sharps containers and proper drop-off locations,” according to a town Facebook post.

Needles and syringes must be placed in a puncture-proof container with a tight fitting lid, such as a medical sharps container from a pharmacy or a heavy plastic container like a laundry detergent bottle.

“When the container is three-quarters full or less, tape it closed with duct tape, clearly label it ‘sharps’ and ‘not recyclable,’ and place it in your trash container,” the post continued.

Prescription medications should be disposed through an authorized drop-off site or take-back event. Until proper disposal is available:

• Keep medications in their original containers
• Store them in a secure location and out of reach of children and pets

The Queen Creek Police Department is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25 at Fry's Marketplace, 25105 S. Ellsworth Road.