Upcoming EventsMontefiore Nyack Hospital is a partner of the Rockland County SHARPS Collection Program
Nyack, N.Y. January 28, 2025 – Many people use needles, syringes and lancets at home for a health condition such as diabetes, cancer or allergies that require self-medication by injection. These needles, syringes and lancets are called sharps. On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Montefiore Nyack Hospital will accept and dispose of used sharps between 10:00 a.m. to noon and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Security Entrance. Residents of Rockland County who use sharps in the home can participate in the program. Unscheduled drop-offs or sharps from private physician’s offices or healthcare agencies will not be accepted.
Sponsored by Rockland County Residential SHARPS Collection Task Force, participants are asked to place their needles, syringes and lancets into an “Approved SHARPS” Container, which may be obtained from a surgical supply house or pharmacy, that is puncture-resistant, leak-proof and clearly labeled. Proper collection, disposal and handling of sharps are essential for preventing these injuries. Used household sharps must be stored safely and disposed of properly to protect people from infectious diseases.
If needle-stick or other sharps injury occurs, immediately wash the area with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and seek medical attention promptly for evaluation, testing and potential treatment.
The following best practices for sharps collection and injury prevention can significantly reduce the risk of sharps injuries, prevent infections and promote a safer environment for everyone:
Handling Sharps Safely
• Do not attempt to recap a needle, as this increases the risk of needle-stick injuries. Use one-handed techniques if necessary for securing needles.
• Avoid bending, breaking or manipulating needles in any way before disposal.
• Do not dispose of “SHARPS” containers in the trash or with recyclables, down the toilet or discard into a sewer drain.
• Do not put used sharps in soda cans, milk cartons, glass bottles or containers that can be broken or punctured. Coffee cans are not safe because the plastic lids come off easily and may leak.
• If necessary, use tongs or forceps to pick up a sharp object rather than directly handling it.
• Always store sharps properly when not in use to keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Teach children not to play with needles, broken glass, or other sharp objects and report any found items to an adult immediately.
• Once a sharps container is full (usually when it’s about 3/4 full), seal it and replace it with a new one to prevent overcrowding, which can increase the risk of injury.
For information about the Rockland County SHARPS Collection Program, call (845) 364-2175. View the schedule for other locations and collection dates at rocklandgreen.com/events/sharps-collection-3/.
