CHESTER – Memorial Community Pharmacy is proud to partner with the Randolph County Health Department to expand access to a vital public health initiative offering free sharps containers and safe disposal services to Randolph County residents.
Constantine Charalab, Health Educator and Public Information Officer for the Randolph County Health Department and Amy Kloos, Pharmacist and Director of Memorial Community Pharmacy.
For the past three years, the Randolph County Health Department has led a successful program providing residents with free sharps collection containers and disposal of used sharps including needles, syringes, lancets, and auto-injectors. The program is funded through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Residential Sharps Collection Grant, allowing the Health Department to remove financial barriers and offer these services at no cost.
To further increase access, Memorial Community Pharmacy, located within Memorial Hospital in Chester, is now serving as a distribution site for sharps containers. The pharmacy offers free 1-gallon and 2.2-quart containers to individuals who use injectable medications or other sharps. Containers are available for pickup during pharmacy hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“Expanding access to safe sharps disposal is essential to protecting both public health and our environment,” said Constantine Charalab, Health Educator and Public Information Officer for the Randolph County Health Department. “By partnering with Memorial Community Pharmacy and others, we’re making it easier and more convenient for residents to obtain the tools they need to dispose of sharps safely and responsibly.”
Residents can return filled containers to the Randolph County Health Department office at 2515 State Street in Chester, where disposal is accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Health Department also provides 1-quart, 2.2-quart, and 1-gallon containers directly from its office.
Proper disposal of sharps is critical to preventing accidental needlestick injuries and protecting family members, sanitation workers, and the community. Improper disposal in household trash or recycling poses significant safety risks that this program helps eliminate.
Since its launch, the program has successfully collected and properly disposed of more than 1,100 gallons of sharps, demonstrating both its impact and the ongoing need for convenient, accessible disposal services.
“We are proud to partner with the Randolph County Health Department to support this important initiative,” said Amy Kloos, Pharmacist and Director of Memorial Community Pharmacy. “Providing free sharps containers through our pharmacy is one more way we can help patients safely manage their healthcare at home while protecting the broader community.”
In addition to sharps safety efforts, Memorial Hospital offers a medication disposal drop box for unused or expired medications. This secure disposal option helps prevent misuse and environmental contamination. The drop box does not accept sharps, aerosols, or liquids.
Together, these services provide residents with safe, responsible options for both sharps and medication disposal supporting a cleaner, safer, and healthier Randolph County. For more information, contact the Randolph County Health Department or visit Memorial Community