From staff reports

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi are offering a new place to dispose of lancets, needles and other items classified as medical sharps.

Through the Household Medical Sharps Disposal Program, home users in Vicksburg can drop off used sharps at Central Fire Station, 1630 Walnut St.; Station No. 6, 912 Cherry St.; and Station No. 8, 130 Halls Ferry Park Road.

The needles must be in puncture-proof, sealed containers. Waste disposal companies will pick them up at the fire stations.

The initiative is the result of concerns over needle sticks among garbage collection workers, wastewater treatment employees and janitorial workers.

MDEQ is also promoting the use of needle clip devices that clip and encase syringe needles. Clips are available at drug stores and pharmacies.