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Brockton council introduces sharps-disposal ordinance; referred to ordinance committee
Summary
Councilors introduced a draft ordinance to require retailers and distributors of sharps to maintain collection receptacles, submit disposal plans and pay administrative costs; the measure was read and sent to the ordinance committee for further work.
Brockton — On Sept. 23 the Brockton City Council introduced a proposed ordinance intended to increase safe collection and disposal options for household medical sharps (needles, syringes, lancets) and referred the measure to the ordinance committee.
The clerk read the full text of the proposed ordinance, which would require retailers or distributors that supply sharps in the city to provide at least two sharps-disposal receptacles, maintain and properly dispose of collected sharps, submit a department-approved sharps-disposal plan within 90 days of the ordinance’s effective date or the start of sales, conduct public outreach, annually report collection volumes, and pay administrative and operational costs associated with the program. The proposed ordinance references state sanitary-code standards (105 CMR 480) and cross-references relevant state law regarding hazardous waste handling.
Enforcement and penalties: The draft gives the Department of Health and Human Services or Inspectional Services jurisdiction for enforcement, allows the department to audit records and inspect facilities, and sets a fine of $300 per day for violations, with revenue from fines designated to the city’s general fund. The draft also authorizes the department to promulgate implementing regulations.
Procedure: The council did not adopt the ordinance at the Sept. 23 meeting; the clerk stated the measure will be referred to the Committee on Ordinance for review and next steps.
Context: The ordinance text in the minutes cites concerns about improper disposal of sharps in household trash, parks and public spaces and frames the measure as an effort to reduce public-health and waste-management risks by increasing safe drop-off options and public education.
