Found a needle or syringe?
Even though incidents are rare, occasionally discarded needles and syringes can be left in public places. Some may be contaminated with infected blood or carrying infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which can lead to AIDS.
If you find a needle or syringe:
- do not hide it
- do not kick it down a drain or out of sight
- do not put it in a dustbin, litterbin or down a toilet
*WARNING - We do not advise moving the needle due to the risk of injury.*
If you decide to move it at your own risk, then follow these steps: |
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- Find a suitable container (e.g. a rigid plastic container with a screw-top lid) and take the container to the syringe. |
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- Do not use glass bottles as they may shatter or drinks cans as they may be squashed. |
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- Handle the syringe carefully avoiding the needle, ideally with heavy-duty gloves or tongs. |
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- Place the sharp end into the container first. |
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- Do not overfill the container, though you can place more than one needle or syringe into it. |
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- Tightly seal the container. |
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- Do not place the container in your domestic waste, down the toilet or drain. It must be disposed of by incineration as clinical waste. Keep the container in a safe place until disposal. |
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- Wash your hands and whatever you used to handle the items in antiseptic detergent. |
Safe disposal of discarded needles and syringes
In play areas, parks, cemeteries and public woodlands, call John O'Conners on 01462 733173.
