City of Casey Environmental Health Officer Eugene Paewai with a container used for the safe disposal of syringes and needles.THE City of Casey has launched a 24-hour service for the collection and disposal of syringes in public places.
Community safety manager Caroline Bell said residents who spotted a syringe should contact the council with details so that it could be safely removed and disposed of. In a recent ‘Perceptions of Local Safety’ survey conducted across the City of Casey, residents said evidence of drug use made them feel unsafe.
“Therefore, reporting discarded needles is one way in which residents can help to maintain the amenity of our public spaces,” Ms Bell said.
“If the risk is imminent and residents feel the need to remove the syringe, or if it is located on private property, there are steps that should be adhered to when picking it up.”
Guidelines for picking up a syringe:
•Never touch the sharp end of the needle. Pick the syringe up by the barrel, end using gloves and tongs.
•Do not try to replace the cap on the needle.
•Put the needle-syringe into a proper syringe or glass container.
•Screw the lid tightly.
•Check for other syringes and needles in the vicinity.
•Never throw the syringe or container down the toilet, into gutters or drains and do not place them in garbage or recycling bins.
•Contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200 to have a syringe collected or contact the Dandenong Needle Exchange Program on 1800 673 046 or 0418 566 147.
Ms Bell said free syringe containers were also available on request for residents who had specific medical requirements. Residents can collect empty containers and return full ones from the council offices at Cranbourne and Narre Warren.
