Keep our communities clean and safe
If a needle or discarded sharp is found on the ground, action is needed.
If you find a needle on public property, contact the appropriate municipal office.
| Municipal contact information |
Ajax 905-683-2951
Brock 705-432-2355
Clarington 905-623-3379
Oshawa 905-436-3311
Pickering 905-683-7575
Scugog 905-985-7346
Uxbridge 416-990-1964
Whitby 905-430-4300
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If a needle is found on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner or landlord to pick up and dispose of the needle.
The risk of infection from picking up needles is low if safe handling and disposal procedures are followed. Remember that children should never touch needles, syringes or sharp objects.
Learn more about the potential risks.
Safe needle handling and disposal guidelines
| How to pick up and dispose of a needle |
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Always assume the needle is contaminated.
Do not injure yourself or others.
- Avoid direct contact with the needle.
Use something to protect your hand when picking up the needle (e.g. heavy gloves, a scoop or shovel, tongs etc.).
- Pick up the needle with the tip facing away.
Pick up the needle holding the tip away from yourself and others.
- Do not separate the syringe from needle.
- Do not manipulate the needle in any way.
- Do not recap the needle.
- Avoid unnecessary handling of the needle.
- Place the needle in a sealed container.
Place the needle in an empty, hard plastic container (e.g. water bottle, jug or similar container with a lid).
- Place the container on a level, stable surface and place the needle inside the container. Avoid holding the container when placing the needle inside the container.
- Seal (cap) the container tightly and secure it with tape.
- Clearly label the container "SHARPS".
- Do not put the needle in the garbage.
- Take the container to a pharmacy.
Visit healthsteward.ca to find a pharmacy near you that will accept needles for safe disposal. Approved sharps containers are also available at these pharmacies.
Never put needles/containers in the garbage or recycling bin. Never flush needles or sharps down the toilet or sink.
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What should I do if I am poked by a needle?
- Allow injury to bleed freely.
- Thoroughly flush the wound with water.
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Immediately go to the hospital emergency department for assessment and to see if further treatment is needed.
| How to talk to your kids about needles |
Talk to your children about the dangers of needles and other discarded drug paraphernalia. Teach them that if they find anything they think could be dangerous, they should never touch these items and they should tell an adult right away.
Read more on teaching children about needle safety.
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| Other resources |
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