Dubois County Continues Sharps Disposal Program Through 2026, First Collection March 5

The Dubois County Health Department will continue its residential sharps collection program through 2026, and the first drive-thru collection is scheduled for March 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the department’s drive-thru. The program is free to Dubois County residents and will run four scheduled collection dates next year.

The health department defines sharps as “used needles and other sharp medical devices, which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.” The program’s stated purpose is to provide “a convenient and safe way to properly dispose of used sharps containers” and to lower the risk of accidental injury and infection in the community. “We are proud to continue offering this important service to Dubois County residents,” said Shawn Werner, Dubois County Health Department Administrative Director. “Providing a safe disposal option helps protect families, sanitation workers, and the public from unnecessary risk.”

Residents may pick up state-approved sharps containers at the Dubois County Health Department drive-thru Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET. On the listed collection days, participants may return filled approved containers at the same drive-thru location and receive replacement containers. The department’s published 2026 collection calendar lists March 5, June 4, September 3, and December 3; all scheduled collection events will be held 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET.

Participation is limited to residential users. The health department’s notice emphasizes that it will only collect approved sharps containers on the scheduled dates and only through the drive-thru; collections outside those dates or at other county sites are not listed in the program materials. The announcement directs residents with questions to contact the Dubois County Health Department at 812-481-7050 for more information about pickup, exchange procedures, and eligibility.

The county’s continuation of the program preserves an established local option for safer at-home disposal of needles and other sharps and maintains the department’s plan to stage four collections during 2026. Dubois County residents planning to use the service should obtain an approved container at the drive-thru during weekday hours and bring filled approved containers to the drive-thru on the March 5, June 4, September 3, or December 3 collection dates.