Safe Sharps Disposal

Health and Wellness

We can all help with the safe disposal of needles and other harm reduction supplies. This prevents accidental injuries and the spread of disease.

How to pick up and dispose of a needle

If you find used needles, medical waste or other harm reduction supplies, do not touch them directly. Learn about needle safety with this video from Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health.

Treat all needles and drug equipment as hazardous.
Wear gloves (e.g. latex, rubber or leather gardening gloves). Gloves protect against fluids (e.g. blood, saliva), not cuts or punctures.
Have a puncture proof, sealable container (e.g. a sharps container or thick plastic bottle) ready and place it on a flat surface next to the needle.
Use tongs, pliers or tweezers to pick up the needle.
Pick up the needle by the plastic end (syringe) with the sharp tip pointing away from your body.
Do not try to recap used needles.
Be very careful not to poke yourself with the needle.
Place the needle point down into the container. Do not hold the container in your hand while placing the needle inside.Do not force the needle into the container.
Close the container securely.
Find a needle disposal location. Do not flush needles down the toilet or put them in the garbage or recycling box.
Take off your gloves and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Clean and disinfect the item used to pick up the needle.

To report needles found in the community, contact your city or township directly.

You can also call 519-575-4400 and your call will be directed to the appropriate office.

For needles found on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to discard the needles.

Remain calm
Allow the wound to bleed freely
Wash the wound with soap and water
Apply a sterile, waterproof bandage
Seek immediate medical attention. Call your health care provider or go to the hospital.

Needle disposal containers or sharps containers are bins with special lids that store used needles and harm reduction supplies.

A yellow plastic biohazard bin with a red lid used to safely dispose of needles or sharps.

Individuals and non-profit organizations

Sharps containers for personal use, non-profit organizations and community clean-ups can be found at the following locations:

Needle Syringe Program organizations in Waterloo Region. Find a location near you.
Select pharmacies. Find a participating pharmacy near you.

Businesses or health care providers

Businesses and health care providers must arrange for sharps disposal with a biomedical or biohazard waste disposal company.

For more information about sharps disposal guidelines in Ontario, check The Management Of Biomedical Waste In Ontario.

Individuals can dispose of used needles and supplies at the following locations.

Pharmacies involved with the Health Stewardship Program
Needle Syringe Program Partners
Outdoor sharps disposal bins
- These bins are secure, tamper-proof drop-boxes. You can use these bins for loose needles and containers up to 4L in size. They are for personal use or community clean up only.

An outdoor sharps disposal bin for safe needle disposal

The WINS program hires and trains people who have experience with substance use to

Safely find and dispose of used needles
Educate others on how to safely dispose of used needles and harm reduction supplies
Provide harm reduction supplies, including naloxone
Help connect people to other services

WINS is a partnership between Sanguen Health Centre, Region of Waterloo Public Health and local municipalities.

For more information on the program, please visit Sanguen Health Centre.