Report a needle or syringe

You can call the free Syringe Collection Hotline to arrange for the collection of needles and syringes in public areas such as laneways, parks and gutters.

Caution - tell children never to pick up needles and syringes.

Report a needle or syringe

You can report a needle or syringe online by submitting a request.

Make a request online

Alternately, you can

Please be as specific as possible about the location of the syringes.

We will ask you for your contact number in case we need more information. Syringes will be collected within 24 hours or the next business day.

Syringe container exchange

If you have a medical condition that requires the use of needles, you can exchange syringe containers at Health Works, 4-12 Buckley Street, Footscray

Syringe disposal helpline

To dispose of a sharps disposal container contact the: syringe disposal helpline on 1800 552 355.

Handling needles and syringes

If you choose to pick up syringes, we advise you to take care and follow these steps:

  1. Gloves will not protect you from a needle stick injury but you can use tongs or wear latex or plastic gloves to protect you from dirt and germs. Thick gloves like gardening gloves make it difficult to pick up the syringe.
  2. Ensure the syringe is clearly visible by removing any surrounding leaves or rubbish.
  3. Place a syringe container on a stable surface. Do not hold the container in your hand when placing the syringe in the container.
  4. Hold the syringe by the barrel with the needle facing away from you. Do not try to put a cap back onto a used syringe.
  5. Place the syringe, needle end first, into the container and seal the container by screwing the lid on tightly.
  6. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  7. Syringe containers can hold many syringes. If you regularly come across used syringes it may be useful to use a syringe container multiple times before returning it.
  8. When the container is full, take the container take the container to CoHealth Health Works Footscray at 4-12 Buckley St, Footscray.
  9. Syringes should never by disposed of in general waste, down toilets, recycled bins or drains.
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