Needles and syringes
Removal and safe disposal
Needles and syringes are unpleasant and dangerous items. If you find a needle, please do not touch it.
You can report the removal of needles and syringes from a public place to us, we will remove these within one working day.
What you can do
If you've been injured by a needle in the street, you should encourage bleeding, wash with warm, soapy water, and contact NHS Direct immediately on 0845 4647.
If you use non-prescription drugs, take your used needles to a needle exchange scheme or your doctor.
If you regularly need to dispose of needles and syringes, use a sharps container and a disposal service.
You can report the removal of needles and syringes to us, you will need the following information:
- what has been found i.e. needles, syringes;
- where have they been found i.e. public open land or park; and
- location/address if known.
If the needles are on private land and you know who the land owner is, please contact them in the first instance to request removal.
What we can do
We will remove dangerous items from areas to which the public usually have access.
We will investigate reports of dangerous items on private property or land if the land owner cannot be contacted or has not responded to a request to remove them.
What don't we do
For Residential Social Landlord (RSL), private property or land please contact the landlord or owner to arrange for a private clinical waste contractor to remove these items.
Do it online
Report the removal of needles and syringes
