BAYSIDE residents are being encouraged to dispose of syringes, sharps and needles safely to avoid injury.

Bayside Mayor Councillor James Long said Council offered residents a sharps container and disposal service to ensure the safe collection and disposal of syringes and needles.

“Community safety is a key priority for Council. Used syringes and needles disposed of incorrectly have the potential to cause needle stick injuries, which could result in the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.

”Although the likelihood of contracting these diseases from syringes is low, every care should be taken to avoid injury,” Cr Long said.

To assist residents who are required to use syringes and needles at home, Council offers a free needle and syringe container exchange program.

Residents can pick up and drop off sharps containers at Council’s Corporate Centre located at 76 Royal Avenue in Sandringham.

Syringes or needles found in public areas should be reported to Council on 9599 4444 during business hours or on 9625 5319 after hours. Council will collect and dispose of the reported objects safely.

If a person is required to dispose of a needle or syringe themselves they should do the following:

• Wear gloves for protection
• Pick up the needle or syringe from the plastic barrel end and make sure the needle end is pointing away from them
• Place the needle or syringe in a sharps plastic container with lid. Approved containers are available from Bayside City Council and pharmacies. If you don’t have access to a sharps plastic container you can use a plastic container with a lid.
• Take the sharps container to Council who will dispose of it safely.

Bayside’s public toilets are fitted with syringe disposal units to help ensure syringes and needles are disposed of safely. Council also regularly cleans the foreshore.

For more information about the disposal of syringes, sharps and needles contact Bayside City Council’s Environmental Health Department on 9599 4444.