A safe disposal site for needles has been set up in downtown Owen Sound.
The City, Public Health and Police have partnered to launch a one-year pilot sharps disposal kiosk pilot project.
A release from the City says it’s part of a broader harm reduction strategy.
The project includes the installation of a large sharps disposal kiosk in Carney’s Lane in downtown Owen Sound, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue East.
The City says the location of the kiosk offers a central and accessible location and was identified in consultation with
Grey Bruce Public Health Unit and Owen Sound Police. A sharps disposal kiosk is already installed and in use at the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit.
Sharps can include hypodermic needles, syringes such as insulin syringes for diabetic patients, scalpels, lancets, and wires including dental wires.
According to the City, the kiosk is made to prevent punctures and leaks that objects such as needles can cause. It will be emptied and serviced regularly by a qualified contractor.
The total number of improperly disposed of sharps reported in Owen Sound is 116 from January to September of 2020.
Meanwhile, the City says if you find an improperly disposed of sharp on public or private property, leave it and call the appropriate unit:
If on City property between the hours of 7:30 a.m – 4:00 p.m. call Public Works at 519-376-4274
If on City property between the hours of 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m. call Owen Sound Police Services at 519-376-1234
If on private property, please call Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420