Pubdate: Tue, 03 Oct 2006
Source: Republican, The (Springfield, MA)
Copyright: 2006 The Republican
Contact:  http://www.masslive.com/republican/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3075
Author: Donald J. Flannery

IF BOTTLES ARE RETURNED, WHY NOT NEEDLES?

In reading your recent news article on concerns regarding disposal of 
hypodermic needles, an obvious solution came to mind. When the Bottle 
Bill was passed, it required those who sold beverages in containers 
that were covered by the bill, to accept the returned bottles and 
cans. Also those who sell oil must, by law, accept the oil that was 
replaced by the oil they sold. Doesn't it make sense to require those 
who sell hypodermic needles to also have an approved receptacle in 
their store for the return of used hypodermic needles? Doctors and 
hospitals have medical waste collected.

This could be easily done with or without a deposit and may require 
an amendment to the law. Hopefully now, that needles can be purchased 
legally and inexpensively, we can save the taxpayers money by doing 
away with the needle exchange program.

Donald J. Flannery

Wilbraham
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MAP posted-by: Elaine