I Found a Needle - Now What?
Steps for Safe Needle Disposal
- Bring a puncture-proof, PLASTIC container with a lid (sharps container, peanut butter jar or drink bottle)and place it on a flat surface.
- Pick up the needle from the plunger end with the needle end facing down and away from you. Gloves and/or tongs can be used but the risk of infection from the plunger end is low. Use whatever protective equipment that makes you feel comfortable.
- Pick up and get rid of one needle at a time. Put the needle-end into the container first and close the lid tightly.
- Get rid of the container in a safe disposal bin near you or call Superior Points at (807) 621-7861 for pickup.
- DO NOT put the cap back on or break off the tip
- DO NOT throw needles in garbage or recycling bins
- DO NOT flush needles down the toilet
This information is also available as a poster: I Found a Needle - Now What? (PDF).
I Am Not Comfortable Disposing of the Needle Myself
If you find a needle and do not wish to dispose of it yourself, you can call Superior Points for pickup at (807) 621-7861. Please give as many details as possible about the location of the needle and include a contact phone number so that we can follow up with you.
Please note that needle pickup times vary depending on availability of staff.
I Am Looking for a Needle Disposal Bin
Visit the Ontario Harm Reduction Program Locations (OHRPL) map for needle disposal bin locations throughout the TBDHU area.
For Further Information
Call the Superior Points program: (807) 621-7861
or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630
or email harm.reduction@tbdhu.com