Pubdate: Tue, 09 Oct 2012
Source: Sault Star, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 The Sault Star
Contact: http://www.saultstar.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.saultstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1071
Author: Elaine Della-Mattia

HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE SAFE DISPOSAL

Various city organizations are teaming up to better educate the 
public about what to do if needles or sharps are found in public areas.

The issue arose this spring when a number of packages of needles were 
found in an area near the Gateway site by pedestrian Marty McCarthy 
while he was walking in the area.

The PUC disposed of the needles but since then, McCarthy has lobbied 
for the city and Algoma Public Health to create an emergency hotline 
number, posted in public parks and schoolyards, that people can call 
to have the items removed and disposed safely.

He also believes that greater public education is needed to inform 
residents and visitors about safe pickup options.

Needles and sharps pose a potential injury and disease risk if not 
handled safely.

The city's public works and transportation department, police 
services and Algoma Public Health have been working together for at 
least a decade to offer a collection service for needles/sharps found 
on public or city property.

A report to council states that the majority of needles used are 
safely disposed of at various pharmacy's, public works, and the 
APH/Group Health Centre needle disposal/exchange program.

The exchange program collects almost 100,000 needles annually and the 
city's Household Special Waste Facility collects and disposes of 
about 500 kg of sharps annually, the report states.

The needle exchange program is a "no questions asked" exchange which 
allows people to discard used needles safely and obtain new ones.

Needle disposal containers area are also available at APH for IV drug 
users, or they can be purchased at local pharmacies.

Private property owners and landlords are responsible for cleanup on 
their own property.

It's recommended that puncture resistant gloves or tongs be used to 
pick up the items and put them in puncture proof containers like a 
coffee container.

The containers can be delivered to the Household Special Waste 
Facility in the Industrial Park.

Needles and sharp objects should not be disposed of in public waste 
receptacles.

Public education will continue through various methods, the report states.

Anyone who finds needles in a public place or on city property can 
call PWT at 705-759-5201 for proper disposal.

Trained employees will be assigned to remove the sharp objects.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom