Syringes

The Council will remove and dispose of needles, syringes and other drug related items that are discarded on: 

• Footway
• Highway
• Public Right of Way
• Public Open Areas
  (includes parks and playgrounds)
• Residents front gardens adjoining the footpath/highway
• Council owned Car Parks 
• Closed Churchyards

Syringes are removed from the seven council owned public conveniences, by the contractor when they visit to clean, three to four times a day.

Contact us to report or request removal of syringes.

What should I do if I find a syringe?

If you find a syringe

• do not touch it
• do not hide it
• do not put it in a litter bin or a domestic wheelie bin.  

What if I am pricked or injured by a syringe or needlestick?

1. Encourage the puncture injury to bleed
2. Do not suck the wound
3. Wash well under cold running water without soap and cover with a dry dressing
4. Seek medical advice as soon as possible (a protective injection against hepatitis B can be given but it needs to be within 48 hours) treatment therefore must begin without delay.

Health contacts

Accident and Emergency, New Cross Hospital

• Phone: 01902 307999 

Remember!

• There is very little risk of infection by HIV (the virus which can lead to AIDS)
• There may be a risk of Hepatitis, Tetanus or other infections

What about syringes found on commercial premises?

If you find a syringe on commercial or industrial premises inform the owner, if you are the owner - dispose the needle as detailed in your health and safety risk assessment.

If you require assistance, contact us and we wil give you a quote for the removal and disposal of the syringes.