Found Needles - Preventing Injury and the Spread of Blood-Borne Diseases

Occasionally there are reports of a needle being found at a beach, a park or during a community cleanup. When this happens, it is very important that the needle(s) be safely collected and disposed of by an adult.

What are the blood-borne infections?

HIV, Hepatitis B and C are infections that are carried in the blood. These infections are not spread through everyday contact. They can be spread through sharing of needles and other drug equipment, unprotected sex and from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.

What is the risk of disease from a needle stick injury?

The risk of getting a blood-borne infection after being stuck by a needle is very low. The risk is even lower because only a small percentage of our population is infected with these diseases.

Facts about needles

• You cannot flush needles and syringes down the toilet or put them in the garbage or in your recycling box.
• Anyone handling garbage from a household or a business should never compact the bag. Compacting increases the risk of exposure to needles or other sharps.
• Waste is compacted during collection so even when placed in a puncture-proof container, needles can be exposed and injure someone.

 If not disposed of properly, needles can pose a health risk to the community and to sanitation workers.

Properly disposing of used needles

Children should be taught never to touch a discarded needle but to show an adult where it is. If you find a needle on your property or in the community, call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for disposal information at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

Adults: If you pick up needles or syringes, handle them with care.

Here’s how:

•  Use pliers, tongs or tweezers to pick up a needle or syringe. You can use a thick cloth or wear a thick glove, but be extra careful.
• Hold the tip away from you. Be careful not to prick yourself with the needle.
• Do not flush needles or syringes down the toilet or put them in the garbage or recycling box.
• Place container on a stable surface. Put the needle or syringe in a non-breakable (plastic), puncture-proof container no larger than a one-litre pop bottle (like a thick plastic peanut butter jar). Place needle tip down into the container.
• Close tightly and take the container to your local health unit office or contact your municipal office to get information about local hazardous waste disposal sites.
• If you would like to get an approved biohazardous container for proper disposal, call the health unit.

What do I do if a needle puncture does happen?

If a needle does break the skin:

• Let the cut bleed freely.
• Wash the area with soap and water, and apply an antiseptic like rubbing alcohol or peroxide.
• See a health care provider right away.

The risk of getting an infection is low, but each situation needs to be checked out thoroughly. You may be advised to have blood tests or get immunized depending on the situation.