Syringes found in the SMD3 bins in Dordogne

On numerous occasions, SMD3 (Dordogne Departmental Waste Management Agency) staff have made unusual discoveries in the waste. These can range from shells to dead animals to weapons. This time, the agents came across used syringes deposited in the recycling bins and discovered at the Rampinsolle sorting center in Coulounieix-Chamiers. The union also reports that, fortunately, no employees were pricked, given that these needlesticks expose them to the risk of transmitting viruses, such as hepatitis B and C, or even HIV, the AIDS virus.

To be thrown into needle boxes

In a press release, the SMD3 provided an update on the sorting of sharps waste, "which should not be disposed of with household waste or in recyclables, to avoid any risk of accidents during collection and sorting." Sharps waste should be stored in secure sharps boxes, which are available free of charge from pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription. Full boxes should be taken to a suitable collection point, such as a pharmacy or a recycling center. The complete list of collection points is available on the website of the approved eco-organization Dastri, which is responsible for handling them. "By disposing of used syringes in the right place, I am protecting the health of the sorting staff at the sorting centers."