Safe Needle Handling and Disposal
We can all help in keeping our communities safe. Accidental needlestick injuries and possible infections can happen to children, outdoor workers or anyone else who might come in contact with used needles.
Children should never touch a discarded needle, and should be taught to show it to an adult for safe pick-up. Adults can safely pick up a discarded needle by following the steps below.
How to Safely Dispose of Discarded Needles
To safely handle a needle, you will need tongs and a hard plastic container with a screw-top lid, or a Community Clean-Up Kit from your local Porcupine Health Unit office.
Remember to always wash your hands immediately after handling a needle.
Follow these 5 safe needle handling steps:
- Wear gloves. Use pliers or tongs and a sharps container.
- Do not try to put the cap back on the needle. Do not snap, break or bend any part of the needle.
- Place the sharps container on a stable surface. Grab the syringe by the plunger end using pliers or tongs. Always hold the needle tip away from you.
- Place the needle into the container tip first and seal tightly. If you are not able to bring it to the Porcupine Health Unit immediately, label the container "needle".
- Never throw needles in the garbage, recycling bin, toilet, drain or sewer.