The City of Moncton, along with community partners is increasing the number of safe needle disposal sites.
AIDS Moncton Executive Director Debby Warren says they already run a safe needle distribution program, part of which part is accepting used needles back at their building at 80 Weldon Street and this expands that collection area.
“And so they will be installing a couple of the larger mailboxes like what we have at two firehall locations, and then they’re also going to be looking at sourcing smaller units that will fix on a post,” says Warren.
She says they already run an educational program to teach the public, and particularly children what to do if they encounter a needle.
“So really it’s about needles when they come upon them, and how to make sure that they don’t touch and how they contact an adult,” says Warren. “So certainly it’s around education, it’s about being cautious.”
Warren says if you find a needle in public space you should call Public Works at their 24/7 dispatch line (506.859.2643) because their staff are trained and equipped for safe disposal.
If on private property, she says, should never touch needles with your bare hands, but you can remove them as long as you have gloves, or some material between your skin and the needle.
Warren adds at that point you should take it to the nearest safe disposal site, as just putting it in your garbage puts waste removal employees at risk.