POLICE SHARE INFORMATION ON DISCARDED NEEDLES

After receiving yet another call regarding needles found in public areas in Lindsay, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service has released information to help those willing to dispose of such materials safely.

"Kawartha Lakes Police do receive reports from the community regarding discarded needles. Unfortunately, sometimes the public might come across a discarded needle, syringe or other sharp objects on the ground," said Sgt. Deb Hagarty, noting needles have been located by the public in places such as sidewalks, parking lots, vacant lots, parks and vacant apartments. "If this happens and you decide to dispose of this material yourself there are certain steps that should be taken."

The following instructions have been prepared by Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit to ensure discarded needles are handled safely.

• Treat all needles and crack pipes (glass stems) as contaminated.

• Wear gloves (i.e. latex, rubber or leather) but use caution - gloves are meant to protect against fluid contamination, not punctures or cuts.

• Use tongs, pliers or tweezers to pick up the needle. Be sure to clean and disinfect the pickup instrument

afterwards.

• Pick up the needle by the plastic end (syringe).

• Point the needle tip away from the body. Be very careful to avoid getting poked.

• Put the disposal container - such as a pop bottle - on a stable surface next to the needle. Do not hold the container in one hand while placing the needle inside with the other.

• Place the needle point down into the container. Do not force the needle into the container.

• Close the container securely.

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer after removal of gloves.

Disposal containers can be placed in the community needle drop box located at the health unit's Lindsay office entrance, at hazardous waste depots located at the Lindsay Ops Landfill and Fenelon Landfill and/or community pharmacies.

For more information on safe handling and disposal locations, visit www.healthsteward.ca.

Those who are unsure how to or are uncomfortable disposing of found needs they can call police at 705-324-5252 and an officer will be dispatched. Vehicles are equipped with sharps containers for safe disposal of any needles collected in the community.

Sgt. Hagarty also encourages parents and caregivers to discuss this issue with their children and remind them never to touch a discarded needle.