What to do if you find a needle or other drug paraphernalia
People in our community use needles for a variety of purposes. If you find a used needle, used medical waste or drug paraphernalia, do not touch it directly (see instructions on how to safely pick up a needle below) and do not dispose in a recycling bin or trash can. This can pose a health risk to yourself and the workers handling waste disposal and processing.
Needles found on public property
If you find a needle or other drug paraphernalia on public property (e.g. park, trail, sidewalk, etc.) and you do not feel safe or comfortable properly disposing of it, please contact:
Guelph
- City of Guelph: 519-822-1260 (Main number)
- City of Guelph’s Waste Wizard: searchable database on how to recycle or dispose of various items)
- City of Guelph’s Report a Problem tool.
- Visit the Report a Problem tool.
- Click “Proceed as guest”
- Select a category (select Parks and Trails)
- Click on + “Submit a problem”
- Fill out your details. Under Type of Problem select “Garbage or litter in a park” (please put the date that you left garbage for collection in the Problem Details)
- Select a location on the map
- Add a photo (if possible) and click “Report it”
Wellington County
- Wellington County: 519-837-2600 (main number)
- Garbage and recycling 519-837-2601
Dufferin County
- Dufferin County: 519-941-2816 or info@dufferincounty.ca
- Dufferin County Waste Services
Town of Orangeville
-
519-941-0440 (main number)
Needles found on private property
Property and business owners are responsible for the safe disposal of needles found on private property. Please refer to the information below to safely and properly dispose of a found needle or other drug paraphernalia.
Video: How to safely pick up found sharps and other drug paraphernalia
Community Sharps Drop Box Locations
Community sharps bins can be found at various locations, including at all WDG Public Health offices. Please refer to the list and map below for all locations. For service or concerns regarding the community sharps disposal drop boxes, call WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
Sharps Drop Box Locations
- Guelph
-
- Chancellors Way Public Sharps Container (WDG Public Health Guelph Office)
- 160 Chancellors Way, Guelph (Directions)
- Guelph CHC Public Sharps Container
- 176 Wyndham Street North (Directions)
- Royal City Mission Public Sharps Container
- 50 Quebec Street, Guelph (Directions)
- Guelph Central Train Station Public Sharps Container
- 79 Carden Street, Guelph (Directions)
- Royal City Park Public Sharps Container
- 36 Wellington Street West, Guelph (Directions)
- Mariannes Park Public Sharps Container
- 176 Gordon Street, Guelph (Directions)
- Wellington Plaza Public Sharps Container
- 23 Wellington Street East, Guelph (Directions)
- Goldie Mill Park Public Sharps Container
- 75 Cardigan Street, Guelph (Directions)
- Stepping Stones Public Sharps Container
- 23 Gordon Street, Guelph (Directions)
- Chancellors Way Public Sharps Container (WDG Public Health Guelph Office)
- Orangeville
-
- WDG Public Health Orangeville Office
- 180 Broadway, Orangeville, ON (Directions)
- WDG Public Health Orangeville Office
- Fergus
-
- WDG Public Health Fergus Office
- 490 Charles Allan Wy, Fergus (Directions)
- WDG Public Health Fergus Office
- Erin
-
- East Wellington Community Services
- 45 Main St, Erin (Directions)
- East Wellington Community Services
What to do if you experience a needle stick injury
If a needle injury occurs, wash the area well with soap and water. Allow the wound to bleed freely and do not apply pressure to the wound. Seek immediate medical attention at your local emergency department.
Safe disposal of medical sharps
Most pharmacies participate in the Health Steward program for the safe disposal of medical sharps such as needles and syringes (for medical purposes), infusion sets, auto injectors, etc.). Visit their website to locate a participating pharmacy near you.