- 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 905-852-9181
- Whitby 905-430-4300
Safe Needle Disposal
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.
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.
Safe needle handling and disposal guidelines
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 pick up and dispose of a needle
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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