Sharps Disposal
Handling Needles Safely
What to do When you Find a Needle
In an ideal world, business owners and members of the public would never encounter discarded needles. However, this is increasingly becoming a reality in many communities. If you find a needle in a public or private space, following proper safety procedures can help you handle the situation safely—but only if you feel comfortable doing so. If you'd prefer not to handle needles yourself, several resources are available to assist you:
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If you find a needle, syringe, or other drug paraphernalia on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner, landlord or business owner to pick up and dispose of the needle. If you are in downtown Kingston contact Welcoming Streets at 613-583-5008 for support in ensuring safe disposal practices. Hours of operation are Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm.
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If you find a needle, syringe, or other drug paraphernalia in a public place, contact the South East Health Unit by email at harmreduction@kflaph.ca or call 613-548-5860. Leave a detailed message with the location of the needle and contact information in case of questions.
Requests will be responded to Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. For support outside of these hours and on holidays, contact the Kingston Police non-emergency line at 613-549-4660 ext. 2244
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Always wear puncture-proof gloves and closed-toe shoes before picking up any sharps. When possible, use tongs to avoid direct contact entirely. Once collected, place sharps in a specialized sharps container and drop it off at your nearest NSP vendor.
Ready to get started? See below to get your free sharps kit today.
Sharps Kit
Running a business in a busy downtown means sometimes you need to handle things yourself. If calling for assistance isn't an option, make sure you're equipped to pick up sharps safely around your property.
Click the button below to order a FREE sharps kit. Includes a BioBin, tongs, & puncture-proof gloves.