Safe Disposal of Needles

Anyone who uses a needle to inject should dispose of it safely. However, sometimes discarded needles are found in public areas. Safe disposal of needles saves others from getting hurt accidentally. Fortunately, the risk of being infected by an accidental needle stick is rare.

Safe Needle Disposal

If you find an improperly discarded needle, here’s how to dispose of it safely:

stay calm
don't try to replace the cap on needles
don't snap, break or bend needles
pick up needle with care, use work gloves if desired
hold needle point away from you
put needle in a metal or hard plastic container with a lid (i.e. product or drink bottle)
replace cap on container securely and label it
wash hands with soap and water
drop off the sealed container
- community drop box - call your municipality about locations in your area
- participating pharmacy
- dispose of the sealed container in a nearby waste bin
- your local public health unit

Other locations for drop-off and harm reduction supply distribution can be found at towardtheheart.com.

What to do if you are pricked by a needle

Getting poked by a needle can be scary. Fortunately, the risk of infection from an accidental needle stick is rare.

If someone is injured by a discarded needle, stay calm.

Take reasonable care and follow these steps:

wash the injured area with soap and warm water as soon as possible
apply an antiseptic and a clean bandage
dispose of the needle safely
visit your local emergency department or primary care provider, preferably within 24 hours
call 8-1-1 for advice 24/7

For more information call the Communicable Disease program at Island Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.):