Although the risk of contracting diseases through needlestick injury is low, it is important that appropriate care is taken when handling and disposing of them.
What do I do if I find a discarded needle?
Do not touch the sharp. Contact our Environmental Health team during business hours for advice on 03 6211 8200.
- If found on public land call us during business hours for collection or call Tasmania Police radio room on 131 444 for out of hours.
- If found on private property, it is the responsibility of the owner to dispose of the sharps in the appropriate manner, which may mean contacting a commercial operator at their own expense.
* Tell children never to pick up a needle and to tell an adult.
Safe disposal of sharps
To protect the health of the community and people involved in waste collection and disposal, sharps must be disposed of safely. Sharps cannot be disposed of in kerbside garbage or recycling bins and must be disposed of at designated locations in approved container.
Any business needing to dispose of sharps should contact a licensed controlled waste operator.
Kingborough residents can purchase sharps containers from Council.
Disposal of full or no longer needed sharps containers can be done for free at Council. Please make sure sharps containers presented at Council are:
- Not over filled;
- In an approved sharps container; and
- The lid is closed securely
Sharps dispensing program
The Department of Health – Tasmanian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is a public health initiative to minimise the spread of blood borne viruses HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C among injecting drug users and to the wider community.
Find out more information about the services provided by the Tasmanian Needle and Syringe Program here:
Department of Health Needle and Syringe Program
