Kendall County Halts Medical Sharps Drop Box Over Safety Risks

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office has suspended the operation of its 24-hour medical sharps drop box located at 804 W. John St., Yorkville, due to safety concerns. This decision comes after reports of improper disposal practices, which have raised significant risks for staff members responsible for managing the kiosk.

Medical sharps, which include items like needles, syringes, and scalpels, pose serious health hazards if not disposed of correctly. The coroner’s office highlighted the issue on its website, stating, “Unfortunately, many loose needles were being placed inside without safe containers, creating a safety risk for our staff who are responsible for emptying the kiosk.”

While the outdoor drop box is no longer operational, residents can still safely dispose of medical sharps during normal business hours. The Kendall County Coroner’s Office will accept sharps from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This alternative provides a safe option for disposal while addressing the concerns raised by the improper use of the drop box.

To further facilitate safe disposal, the coroner’s office offers free sharps containers to all Kendall County residents. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals have the necessary resources to dispose of medical sharps safely and conveniently.

The indefinite suspension of the drop box highlights the importance of adhering to proper disposal guidelines. Improper disposal not only endangers the health of those handling the items but also poses a risk to the general public. The coroner’s office is committed to providing safe and effective solutions for managing medical waste in the community.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the available resources and to practice responsible disposal methods for medical sharps to help maintain safety within the community.