Always treat a discarded needle as if it is contaminated. If you find one, decide if:
1. I'm not comfortable or willing to pick it up, or I am unequipped to pick it up, but I want Lethbridge to be clean and safe.
- Cover or mark the location of the needle with an object.
- Call or text the Needle Pickup Hotline at 403-332-0722 to provide the location and arrange for pickup and disposal. This number is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except statutory holidays.
Please be ready to provide:
- The full address
- A description of where the needle is located
- Your name and a call back number
- The number of needles and any other drug paraphernalia
- If texting, you can also provide a photo to assist the pick-up staff.
The more detailed your message, the faster responders can find the debris and remove it.
A needle pick-up staff member will arrive to pick up the needle. The aim is to have this completed within an hour. Priority will be given to calls that include playgrounds, schools and daycares.
2. I'm willing and equipped to pick it up because I want Lethbridge to be clean and safe.
- I have gloves, tongs or pliers, and a hard sharps container (ex. a strong plastic bottle such as a bleach container or a plastic jar with a lid).
- Put on latex, rubber or leather gloves. Use tongs or pliers to carefully pick up the needle with the tip pointed away from you.
- Put the sharps container (strong plastic bottle, etc.) on a stable surface (do not hold it while putting the needle inside) and put the needle, tip down, into the container and close the lid.
- DO NOT place the container in the garbage.
- Call or text the Needle Pickup Hotline at 403-332-0722.
- When you're finished, wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer.
Needles can be taken to most local pharmacies for disposal.
>> back to Safe Needle Disposal
