Resident urges Wichita Falls to create sharps disposal program after failed attempts to find local option

Wichita Falls — Joyce Stevens, a Wichita Falls resident, told the City Council on Oct. 21 that she and her son were unable to find a local site to dispose of used insulin needles and urged the city to develop a safe sharps disposal program.

“I went to the emergency room, Walgreens, and even the fire department, but we learned that there is no designated location in Wichita Falls where a diabetic present can dispose safely of their sharps,” Stevens said. She told the council firefighters accepted containers she brought and placed them in red hazmat bags but made clear that was not an official, ongoing service. Stevens said throwing used needles in household trash puts sanitation workers at risk and increases the chance of misuse by people struggling with addiction, and she asked the council to “consider developing a safe and accessible sharps disposal program for Wichita Falls whether it's through drop off boxes at fire stations, pharmacies or another city managed site.”

Councilmembers responded later in the meeting, acknowledging the concern. One councilmember said the needle disposal issue “is something we need to look at” and asked staff to follow up. Another councilmember reiterated that the city would check on sharps-container options and noted the topic could involve partnerships with fire stations, pharmacies and other local providers.

No formal action, ordinance or budget allocation was recorded in the meeting transcript. Staff and councilmembers indicated they would research options and report back to the council.