Needle Safety

People use needles for a variety of reasons, both legal and not. Get informed on how to safely dispose of needles so that all citizens can keep their communities safe.

How can I safely dispose of a needle?

• Don’t try to recap the needle.
• Place a puncture proof container (biohazard bin, coffee tin, bleach jar, peanut butter jar, laundry detergent container) down on a level surface.
• Put on a pair of disposable gloves: latex, gardening or kitchen
• Use pliers, tongs or tweezers to pick up the needle on the plunger side. Keep the sharp end away from your body.
• Put the needle sharp end first into the puncture proof container.
• If you are picking up more than one needle, never fill the container more than ¾ full.
• Securely close the container and tape the lid down.
• Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands with soap and water.
• Store the container in a safe place away from children.
• Take the container to a pharmacy that accepts used sharps, or place it in community Needle Drop Box.

Who should I call if I do not feel safe picking up a needle?

In Saskatoon you can call Fire and Protective Services at 975-3030 or the Saskatoon Health Region at 655-4664

If I have a needle stick injury what is my risk of getting an infection?

• The risk of getting HIV from a needle stick injury is 0.3%.
• The risk of getting HCV from a needle stick injury is 3-5%.

Saskatoon has never recorded a case of HIV infection caused by a needle stick in a public place.

What should I do if I get a needle stick injury?

Encourage the wound to bleed out, then wash the wound with soap & water. Get to the nearest health care provider as soon as possible for assessment. Leave the needle behind; it is riskier to try and bring the needle with you. Although the risk of contracting HIV or HCV is very low, there is a small risk that you may become infected. Go to Emergency as soon as possible, and tell them you've had a needle stick.

How can I get involved with needle safety in Saskatoon?

AIDS Saskatoon sits on the Saskatoon Health Region’s Needle Safe Saskatoon Committee, a working group composed of representatives from health, government and non-profit orgs which coordinates public education and strategies around safe disposal of used injecting equipment. AIDS Saskatoon also participates in needle cleanup activities; in October 2009, AIDS Saskatoon organized our own community cleanup; we were joined by sixty grade 5 and 6 students from Caswell Community School. If you are interested in getting involved with the Committee call 655-4664.

Documents Attached

For detailed information on needle safety, drop boxes, or local statistics, see the PDF below.