Needles and syringes

How do I dispose of needles?

If you need to dispose of needles:

• contact your doctor's surgery or local health centre for advice
• use one of the public sharps bins located at Cowley Road Public Conveniences by Manzil Way or Park End Street
• use one of the new trial cubicle sharps bins in Public Toilet Facilities at Gloucester Green, Market Street, Castle Street and The Westgate Centre

What do I do if I find a needle?

If you find a discarded needle, report it to us using the City Works contact details on the right of this page.

Do not:

• put yourself or others at risk
• hide it
• separate the needle from the syringe
• put the cap back on the needle
• play with the needle or syringe
• put in a dustbin, down a drain, down the loo or in a litter bin

If you feel you need to do something yourself then:

• find a suitable container to put it in e.g. drinks can
• take the container to the syringe/needle
• handle the syringe carefully and do not touch the needle
• put the sharp end into the container first
• take it somewhere safe to await collection
• wash your hands thoroughly afterwards

How do I report a found needle?

You can report a found needle or sharp by using the contact details on this page. If you find a discarded needle on public land outside of office hours, please contact our Emergency Out of Hours Service on 01865 249811.

How long will it take you to remove a needle?

Needle collections are treated as a high priority and will be dealt with quickly, usually within 1 hour during office hours, and within 2 hours out of office hours.

What is the council doing to reduce the number of needles?

We are working hard to reduce the risk from discarded needles by undertaking joint projects with other professional groups and increasing the number of public sharps bins available.

If someone is injured by a used needle then:

• squeeze the wound to make it bleed
• do not suck the wound
• wash the wound with soap and water
• contact your doctor or Accident and Emergency department for immediate advice

Remember that early treatment can prevent infections.

Page last reviewed 7 Oct 2008