Warwickshire Police

Discarded Needles

Discarded hypodermic needles and syringes can be a danger to everyone because of the risk of injury and infection to the finder.

They may be found in many places but are most commonly found in parks, recreational areas, public buildings, multi-storey car parks, vacant properties, gardens and garages. They may also be found in litterbins, cardboard boxes and bin bags. Finds can range from single items to larger quantities.

DO NOT PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS AT RISK FROM DISCARDED NEEDLES AND SYRINGES

Helpful Contacts

If the find is in Stratford on Avon District Council area contact: Street Cleansing on 01789 260616 (24 hours)

If the find is in Warwick District Council area contact the Contact Centre on 01926 456338

If the find is in North Warwickshire Borough Council area contact Street Cleaning on 01827 715341

If the find is in Rugby Borough Council area contact Street Cleaning on 10788 533332

If the find is in Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough contact 02476 376046

By contacting the relevant council you will ensure that any needles and syringes are dealt with in the correct manner.

They have staff who are trained how to remove and dispose of discarded needles and syringes using appropriate safety equipment.

REPORTS OF DISCARDED NEEDLES AND SYRINGES ARE TREATED AS URGENT

At Risk

DO NOT

• Touch the needle or syringe
• Hide it
• Separate the needle from the syringe
• Try to put the cap back on the needle
• Put the needle or syringe in a dustbin, down a drain, down a toilet or in a litter bin
• Ignore it

Performing these actions could put yourself or others at risk

Prevent Danger

• Do not handle the needle or syringe with your hands
• Ideally pick up with thick leather gardening gloves (or)
• Sweep up using a brush and pan
• Place offending items in a plastic screw top jar or an empty drink can
• Keep out of reach of children
• Contact Street Cleansing on 01789 260616 to arrange collection or
• Contact the Contact Centre on 01926 412498 to arrange collection

Stratford-on-Avon Council & Warwick District Council are endeavouring to reduce the risk from discarded needles and syringes by raising public awareness and working with other professional groups.

In Case of Injury

• Encourage the wound to bleed by gently squeezing
• DO NOT suck the wound
• Wash the wound with soap and warm water for 5 minutes
• Cover with a waterproof plaster
• Immediately contact your doctor or nearest Accident & Emergency department for medical advice and treatment.

Important Contacts

Stratford on Avon District Council,
Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford on Avon
Street Cleansing
Tel: 01789 260616

Warwick District Council,
Riverside House, Leamington Spa
Contact Centre
Tel: 01926 412498

North Warwickshire Borough Council,
South Street, Atherstone
Tel: 01827 715341

Rugby Borough Council,
Town Hall, Evreux Way
Tel: 01788 533332

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council,
Town Hall, Coton Road, Nuneaton
Tel: 02476 376046

Download the PDF version of the Discarded Needles leaflet shown above