Safe Needle Disposal

Always assume the needle is contaminated.

Do not injure yourself or others.

1. 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.).
   
   
2. 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.
  
  
3. 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.
  
  
4. 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.

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.

• Needles are a Danger (Poster) English | French
• Opioids and Overdose Prevention
• John Howard Society of Durham Region Project X-Change
• Find a community disposable bin (Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program)