Community sharps

Follow these steps if you are confident collecting the syringe.

1. Find a puncture proof container such as a plastic drink bottle or takeaway container and take it to the littered syringe. Place the container on the ground.
2. Pick up the syringe from the plunger end.
3. Place the syringe in the container, sharp end first.
4. Place the container in a community sharps bin or for collection call the NSW Health needle clean up hotline on 1800 633 353.
5. Wash your hands. 

If you are not comfortable collecting the syringe, please contact the NSW Health needle clean-up hotline on 1800 633 353.

The harm most commonly experienced after a needlestick injury is the anxiety it can cause.

Bloodborne infections from needlestick injury in the community are extremely low.

1. Wash the site with warm running water (do not squeeze the site).
2. Contact your local doctor.
3. For more advice and support, contact the post exposure hotline on 1800 737 669. 

Local councils have a number of community sharps bins installed in community centres, libraries, parks and public toilets to encourage sharps waste to be managed separately from general waste. 

Safe needle disposal is important for a person who uses drugs and many other people who need sharps to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes. We manage community sharps bins and offer needle clean-up services in public places as required.

Collection services are not provided for businesses or from private property.