Syringes - disposal

What do I do if I find a syringe or needle?

Inform us immediately on 0845 277 7000

Do not:

  • touch it
  • hide it
  • kick down a drain
  • put in the bin
  • flush down the toilet

The needle or syringe may not be collected immediately.  We have a service level agreement to remove a discarded syringe from a public area within 4 hours.  If you feel you have to do something yourself, please undertake the following precautionary steps:

  • find a suitable container, such as a metal drinks can
  • handle the syringe carefully avoiding the needle
  • ideally use tongs, tweezers or heavy duty gloves
  • put the sharp end into the container first
  • then wash your hands thoroughly
  • keep the container somewhere safe for collection

If you do get injured with a syringe or needle

Don't panic - remember, your risk of serious infection is remote

  • gently squeeze the would so that it bleeds
  • wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible or use alcohol swabs
  • apply an antiseptic and band-aid
  • contact your local doctor or hospital emergency department as soon as possible who will advise you on the need for HIV testing and counselling and explain the possible risk of Hepatitis or Tetanus infection
  • where possible, retain the syringe that caused your injury

Inform your children of the risks

  • a person who is pricked or scratched with a discarded needle has only a remote risk of being infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or other blood-borne viruses
  • HIV is the virus that caused, Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome, commonly referred to as AIDS
  • HIV is a very fragile virus and cannot survive unless blood is still fresh (wet)
  • to become infected, you must get blood from an infected needle into your bloodstream
  • other possible infections associated with needle-stick injuries include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and tetanus.  Immunisation is available for Hepatitis B and tetanus, but is not yet available for Hepatitis C.

Disposal of syringes

If you use syringes, your pharmacist or surgery will be able to provide a special container for sharps, so you can dispose of them safely.  There are needle exchange facilities at a number of chemists.