Tutorial: How to collect and dispose of a used needle and syringe safely

Multnomah County Health Department Tutorial: How to collect and dispose of a used needle and syringe safely.

For more information visit:

https://multco.us/services/syringe-exchange-and-disposal

TRANSCRIPT

I’m Tricia Tillman and I’m with Multnomah County Health Department.

Injection drug use is still a problem in our community. And used needles on the ground create a hazard for both people and pets.

In the event you come across a used needle near where you live, work or play, this demonstration will show you how you can safely collect and dispose of a used needle using a few household items.

You’ll need a hard plastic container like a Gatorade bottle or milk carton.

You never want to touch the needle with your bare hands so something like kitchen tongs from your kitchen, or pliers.

You’ll need tape to seal the container once the needles inside.

And pens, like a Sharpie, to label the container.

You’ll need a bucket and some bleach for rinsing your utensils when you’re done.

And you’ll need rubber gloves or latex gloves to protect your hands.

So with my hands covered… I’m going to — before I touch the used syringe — I’m going to get my container ready.

I’m going to set it upright, stable, on the ground, and remove the lid.

I’m going to use my utensil to pick up the syringe.

And I’m going to put it in the container needle first.

And then I’ll put the lid back on … …and will now secure the lid with a piece of tape.

And with another piece of tape, I’ll label the container — SHARPS — S-H-A-R-P-S — DO NOT RECYCLE.

It will let other people know there’s a bio-hazard inside.

Using a sanitizing solution of bleach and water, I’ll clean my utensils.

Once you have the used syringe or needle inside the marked container, do not throw it in the trash or put it in your recycle bin.

You call us at 503-988-3030 during normal business hours and we will give you a list of disposal sites.

And we really appreciate you for being a good Samaritan and helping keep our community safe and healthy.