HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR050619DPWTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREKS. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mT MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
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News Release
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2019
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
LYLE TABATA, DEPUTY COUNTY ENGINEER
Tel (808) 241-4992
Fax (808) 241-6604
Residents reminded of proper disposal of medical needles
LIHUE — County officials are reminding the public that sharps or medical needles must
be disposed of properly.
"Improper disposal of contaminated sharps is a serious safety concern for our refuse
collectors and landfill workers," said Deputy County Engineer Lyle Tabata. "We urge the public
to follow the correct procedure in disposing these items."
The steps that should be followed in disposing sharps are as follows:
• Sharps should be stored in a strong, leak -proof plastic container, such as a laundry
detergent bottle.
• The container should be clearly marked "BIOHAZARD."
• When the container is full, it should be filled with one part bleach and 10 parts water and
allowed to soak for 20 minutes.
• The solution should then be poured into a sink, and the container should be sealed with
its original cap. As a safety measure, heavy duty tape should be placed on the cap.
For more information about waste disposal, please call the Solid Waste Division, at 241-
4837, or visit their website at: www.kauai.gov/medicalwaste.