Read the Needle Disposal Guide here (pdf)

City crews regularly clean up needles to keep public places safe, and a process has been developed to help members of the public know what to do if they find a needle or other drug paraphernalia.

I found a needle. What do I do?

Always treat each needle as contaminated. You have a couple of options if you find one:

1. I’m too nervous to pick it up or I am unequipped to pick it up.
   • Cover or mark the needle with an object.
   • Call 403-342-8238 for disposal.
2. I’m willing and equipped to pick it up.
   • I have gloves, tongs or pliers, and a hard sharps container (or plastic bottle with lid).
     • Needle pickup kits are available at your nearest fire hall.
   • Put on latex, rubber or leather gloves. Use tongs or pliers to carefully pick up needle with tip pointed away from you.
   • Put sharps container on stable surface (do not hold it while putting needle inside). Put needle point down into the container and close lid.
   • Do NOT place container in garbage. Dispose of at nearest needle disposal location:
     • Fire stations 1 (4941 46 Street), 2 (5839 67 Street) & Headquarters (4340 32 Street) have 24-hour drop boxes
     • Many pharmacies accept needles
     • Turning Point (4611 50 Avenue)
     • Brown needle drop boxes located through parks and trails
3. • Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer once you’re done

If you get pricked by a needle:

• Flush the area with flowing water.
• Wash the wound well with soap and warm water.
• Seek medical attention for an assessment of the risk of infection and appropriate treatment.