Oak Park Expands Options for Proper Medical Sharps Disposal

Village Hall and Township offices now accept syringes, autoinjectors, and other dangerous medical items for safe disposal.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal structure of a medical syringe, appearing as a ghostly, glowing outline against a dark background, conceptually representing the fragility and danger of improperly discarded sharps.A new sharps disposal program in Oak Park aims to safely collect used syringes and other medical waste from residents.Oak Park Today

Oak Park, Illinois has launched new programs to help residents safely dispose of used medical sharps like syringes, autoinjectors, lancets, and infusion sets. Village Hall and the Oak Park Township offices are now accepting these items during regular business hours, with staff on hand to assist with the proper packaging and collection process.

Why it matters

Improperly discarded sharps can pose serious health and safety risks, potentially injuring sanitation workers or being found in public spaces. These new disposal options aim to make it easier for residents to get rid of these items safely and responsibly.

The details

Residents must bring sharps in secure, leak-proof containers to either the Village Hall or Township offices. Trained staff will then assist with the collection and disposal process. The village works with a medical waste company called Stericycle to regularly collect the accumulated sharps. The new services were prompted by resident inquiries and the high demand observed during recent prescription drug take-back events.

  • The sharps disposal program at Oak Park Village Hall launched in April 2026.
  • The Oak Park Township began accepting sharps in October 2025.

The players

Oak Park Village Hall

The municipal government building that is now accepting sharps disposal from residents.

Oak Park Township

The local government offices that also offer a sharps disposal service for residents.

Sara Semelka

The Health Education Manager at the Oak Park Public Health Department, who helped launch the Village Hall sharps disposal program.

Angela Aggen

The Prevention Coordinator at the Oak Park Township, who oversees their sharps disposal service.

Stericycle

The medical waste disposal company that collects the sharps from the Village Hall on a monthly basis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to make sure that people have a safe way to do this so it's safe for everyone because we also don't want them (sharps) just out and about.”

— Sara Semelka, Health Education Manager, Oak Park Public Health Department

“Some people will chat with us when we're collecting them, putting them in the bags and stuff, and people seem to be grateful for the service. Some people don't really just know what to do, when they have these at-home medications.”

— Sara Semelka, Health Education Manager, Oak Park Public Health Department

“We've had a good response. We've been receiving a lot of them actually.”

— Angela Aggen, Prevention Coordinator, Oak Park Township

What’s next

The Village Hall and Township will continue to promote the sharps disposal services to ensure all residents are aware of the safe and convenient options available.

The takeaway

These new sharps disposal programs in Oak Park demonstrate a proactive approach to public health and safety, making it easier for residents to responsibly get rid of dangerous medical waste and prevent potential injuries or environmental harm.