Needles appear as snow clears

However, according to the PAPHR, staff cannot go on to private property for needle pickup.

Those who find discarded needles on their property can dispose of them safely by following these steps outlined by the PAPHR in a statement.

Get a small hard container that needles can’t poke through such as a pop bottle or plastic container. The container must have a lid.
Wear a pair of gloves (preferably leather).
Pick the needle up by the plunger end, and keep the pointed end away from you. Never try to put a cap back on a needle.
Put the needle into the container. If there is a needle cap, put it in the container too. Put the container’s lid on tightly.
Wash your hands.

“We discourage children from picking up [sharps],” Fuller said.

Items needed for picking up and getting rid of needles can be found at the Point Harm Reduction Program at Access Place. In addition, that is where needles can be dropped off.

There are also needle drop boxes at:

-Back of Liquor Store, First Avenue East
-In front of Fire Hall, 15th Street East
906 – First Avenue West
903 – 17th Street West
215 – 15th Street West
-Rotary Trail (Across from River Park Funeral Home)

Fuller said it’s important that discarded needles are not put in the garbage bin as it endangers City workers who pick up the trash and the needles could end up in the landfill, putting others at risk.

“The other important piece for people to remember is that, I mean, these needles won’t hurt you as long as you’re safely picking them up by the non-pointed end; you know, by the plunger end and put them into a hard-sided container and put them in the appropriate drop box,” Fuller said.

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On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by paNOW Staff

Needles appear as snow clears

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