Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro is drawing attention to a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) designed to assist with the safe disposal of household medical sharps, such as syringes, needles, and lancets.

The Residential Sharps Collection Program is offering financial support to local government units that operate designated sharps collection locations. Through this program, local governments can receive up to $35,000 to assist with expenses related to the accumulation, storage, and elimination of used sharps.

“Programs like this are essential to keeping our communities safe and protecting the environment,” said Rep. Sanalitro. “By helping local governments manage medical waste properly, we reduce the risks to sanitation workers, first responders, and families across Illinois.”

Eligible costs under this funding include advertising for collection stations, educational materials, personal and onsite sharps collection containers, waste transporter mobilization fees, and the disposal of collected sharps.

Applications for the grant will be accepted until funds run out or until March 31, 2026. To apply, applicants must be pre-qualified through the state's Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.

Further details and application information can be found on the Illinois EPA’s website: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/medication-disposal/sharps/residential-sharps-collection-program.html