Our vision:
A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.
Safely Handling Sharps
The Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) program provides free hands-on assistance to Small Quantity Generators (usually small businesses) who want to learn how to handle their hazardous waste safely and help prevent polluting their community.
Through the PPA program, Kitsap Public Health offers free technical assistance to local small businesses to help reduce or eliminate hazardous waste. A specialist can meet with your business to evaluate procedures and practices and help solve any hazardous waste issues.
If a business makes changes based on our recommendations, we can reimburse the costs of those changes with a voucher of up to $500.
Call us at 360-728-2235 to learn more!
Our Pollution Prevention Specialists Can...
Review your spill prevention plans.
Help you implement best practices for dangerous waste storage and disposal.
Explain hazardous waste regulations that apply to your business.
Help you locate recycling or disposal resources for hazardous waste.
Provide no-charge equipment such as secondary containment pallets, spill kits, and drum covers.
What's a Small Quantity Generator?
Most businesses in Washington generate some amount of hazardous waste. If your business is a Small Quantity Generator, there are special rules you need to follow.
By Taking Steps to Prevent Pollution, You Can...
Avoid contamination of local streams and the Puget Sound
Protect the health and safety of your employees
Increase efficiency and reduce cost
Comply with regulations and avoid fines
Reduce liabilities
Get recognized for your efforts
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Safely Handling Sharps
Pollution Prevention Assistance
Safely Handling Sharps Found in Public
What To Do If You Find a Needle, Syringe, or Other Sharp
If you find a needle, syringe, or other sharp in a public area like a park or parking lot, do not pick it up yourself.
Kitsap Public Health has trained staff to handle sharps. Call us at (360) 728-2235 or use our online reporting form to report the location.
When you contact us, please:
Provide a detailed location of the item
Provide your name and phone number (in case we need further detail)
If possible, place something highly visible next to the sharp to make it easier for the inspector to see it
What Is a Sharp?
The term "sharps" means any device that is intended to puncture or cut the skin. This includes syringes with needles attached, scalpels, lancets used in diabetes testing, and intravenous (IV) tubing with needles attached.
Why Can Sharps Be Dangerous?
Sharps are physical and biological hazards. Sharps can injure people or - if they come into contact with someone's blood - spread diseases like hepatitis or HIV.
Are Sharps Always from Illegal Drug Use?
No. People may need to use sharps if they have certain health conditions.
Additional Resources
Questions?
Call us at (360) 728-2235.
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