DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Macon County Health Department has installed a brand-new sharps disposal drop box.

On Monday, the health department announced that the new disposal box can be found outside their main entrance at 1221 E Condit St. in Decatur. The sharps disposal box provides a safe, accessible and environmentally responsible way for the community to dispose of used needles and other sharps.

“This initiative aims to reduce health risks associated with improper needle disposal and enhance public safety,” the health department said in a press release.

This disposal box will be available for use 24/7 and provides a secure option for those who use injectable medications or require safe disposal of sharps. On top of this, community members in need of a container for proper sharps disposal are able to visit the Macon County Health Department during normal business hours to receive a free container.

The following is a list of items accepted at the disposal box:

• Needles
• Syringes
• Lancets
• Infusion Sets
• Connection Needles/Sets
• Auto Injections (Epi and Insulin Pens)

Additionally, all items must be in a container prior to being disposed into the drop box. Anyone looking for more information about this sharps disposal box or proper disposal practices are urged to call 217-423-6988 and select option 2.