Needle and Sharps Safety

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 

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. 

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 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. 

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.