🩸 Household Medical Waste Disposal Guidelines

The Zion Fire & Rescue Department often receives questions from residents asking if the department can dispose of household medical waste. While we are unable to accept or dispose of these materials, we are pleased to share the following recommendations from the Lake County Health Department Community Health Center.

Safe Disposal Procedures

To prevent injury, illness, or environmental contamination, please follow these procedures when disposing of medical sharps and contaminated materials at home:

• Place needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects in a sturdy plastic or metal container with a tight, screw-on lid. A commercially made sharps container is best, but a heavy-duty household container can work if properly sealed.
• Caution: If using a non-commercial container, wrap the lid securely with duct tape to prevent accidental opening.
• Never place sharps in containers that will be recycled or returned to a store.
• Dispose of sealed containers in the regular household trash. Do not include them with recyclables.
• Other contaminated materials such as soiled bandages, disposable sheets, and medical gloves should be sealed in plastic bags before being placed in the regular garbage.

Alternative Options

Home needle destruction devices are available to safely neutralize needles. In addition, private waste disposal companies can handle medical waste for a fee.

Proper disposal of medical waste helps protect family members, sanitation workers, and the environment from accidental injury or exposure.

For additional information or to speak with someone at the Zion Fire & Rescue Department, please call (847) 746-4036.

Thank you,
EMS Liaison