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1. Where can I dispose of needles (new or used)?

It is a State Department of Public Health Regulation that prohibits disposal of any residential (home-generated) sharps (needles) in household trash. All sharps must be placed in a regulated container (usually red with a slot to drop in the needle) and brought to a sharps center. The Town of Grafton accepts sharps placed in a regulated container at the Municipal Center located inside of the Board of Health Office at 30 Providence Road. If you have any questions, please call the Board of Health at 508-839-5335, ext. 1119.

2. How do I file a complaint?

A complaint can be filed in person or by calling the Board of Health at 508-839-5335, ext. 1119.

3. What do I do with leftover or expired medication?

The best way to dispose of unused or unwanted medication is to take it to an official collection site. For your convenience, a permanent drug collection unit is available at the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton MA.

In addition, the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance participates in semi-annual Drug Take Back Days in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Check our calendar for upcoming events.

Helpful Hints: Do not put medication of any kind down the drain or flush in the wastewater system (toilet). The preferred method is to crush medication and add to a garbage item such as kitty litter or coffee grounds (so that animals do not find it palatable) and dispose of it in your regular household trash. Do not put it in the recycling bin. You do not want to alert anyone that there might be those substances in the home. If you have any questions, you can call the Board of Health at 508-839-5335.

4. How often are food service inspections conducted?

Inspections are based on risk-assessment and the type of establishment. However, a general rule of thumb is that inspections are conducted at a minimum twice per calendar year. 

5. Can I obtain my childhood immunization records from the Health Department?

No, the Health Department does not retain childhood immunization records. We recommend contacting the child's Pediatrician for that information.

Another source for immunization records is the Massachusetts Immunization Information System MIIS. In 2011 the MA Department of Public Health (MDPH) Immunization Program launched the MIIS, a web-based immunization registry. The MIIS is in the process of being rolled out statewide and once fully implemented will be the official source of immunization information for Massachusetts. The MIIS will establish a complete, accurate, secure, real-time immunization record for residents of Massachusetts of all ages.

For more information, email the MIIS Help Desk or call 617-983-4335.

6. How do I know my septic is in failure?

Sewage odor near the septic tank or leaching area, slow-running drains and toilets. If any of these symptoms develop, have the septic tank pumped and inspected by a Title V system inspector. A listing of Title V System Inspectors can be found on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

7. How long is a Title V inspection good for?

The following is an excerpt taken from 310 CMR 15.000:

15.301: System Inspection

Inspection at Time of Transfer. Except as provided in 310 CMR 15.301(2), 15.301(3), and 15.301(4), a system shall be inspected at or within two years prior to the time of transfer of title to the facility served by the system. An inspection conducted up to three years before the time of transfer may be used if the inspection report is accompanied by system pumping records demonstrating that the system has been pumped at least once a year during that time. If weather conditions preclude inspection at the time of transfer, the inspection may be completed as soon as weather permits, but in no event later than six months after the transfer, provided that the seller notifies the buyer in writing of the requirements of 310 CMR 15.300 through 15.305. A copy of the complete inspection report shall be submitted to the buyer or other person acquiring title to the facility served by the system.

8. What is a public health region?

In 2014, the Town of Grafton had entered into an inter-municipal agreement with the City of Worcester to provide a wide range of public health services to the town. In doing so the Town of Grafton joined a number of central Massachusetts towns that had already been receiving public health services from the City of Worcester. As a result, the Town of Grafton receives services that include but are not limited to: epidemiological and public health nursing, environmental health, community health, and emergency preparedness services. The deliveries of services are provided through a sustainable, labor-efficient, and cost-effective model. To find out more information on public health regionalization, please visit our website.