Needle Safety

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) collects and disposes of more than 11,000 needles each year. Discarded hypodermic needles are a concern at any time of the year, but spring poses a particular threat. As the snow melts, needles that were once hidden in the snow are uncovered.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, members of the SFD will be out in the community in the coming weeks for an annual community needle clean-up. Residents are reminded to follow safe pick-up and disposal practices when discarding needles:

• Do not recap the needle.
• Wear garden, work or medical gloves.
• Use tweezers, pliers or tongs to pick up by the end that is not the sharp end. Keep the needle away from your body.
• Place the needle, sharp end first, into a hard container that needles cannot poke through (e.g. liquid laundry detergent or bleach container).
• Fill a container no more than 3/4 full. If a container is too full, the needles may poke through the side.
• Put the container lid on tightly and tape it.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Needles should never be placed in city garbage or recycling. Alternatively, needles should be placed in a designated drop box. Call 306-655-4444 to find the nearest drop box location.

If you are not comfortable handling or disposing of a needle on public property, call:

• Saskatoon Fire Department – 306-975-3030
• Public Health Services Saskatoon – 306-655-4444

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/needlesafe.