Sharps are needles and syringes which are used by community members for various reasons such as the admission of drugs or supplements and health monitoring. It's important to handle and dispose of sharps safely to protect yourself and the community from injury and infection.
Small quantities (up to 7 litres) of personal use sharps can be disposed of by placing the needle and the syringe in a securely sealed rigid plastic container, such as a used laundry detergent or bleach bottle (but not a plastic milk or soft drink container, aluminium drink can or a glass bottle or jar); and placing it in one of the following locations:
Businesses (such as medical or vet clinics) are required to employ a suitable waste disposal contractor to remove used sharps.
Should you need to inject in public, please place your sharps in a sharps bin. These sharps disposal bins are available as wall mounted units within some toilet facilities in our parks.
If you come across a needle or syringe in our region, don't attempt to remove the item yourself or attempt to recap the needle. Contact us on 131 872 and report the location of the sharps and our staff will remove the items. The following information will be useful:
Sharps found on private property can be put in a rigid walled, puncture resistant container such as a soft drink bottle and sealed securely. The container can then be put into an ordinary rubbish bin. Only dispose of the sharps if able to do so safely.
If you have any concerns, contact the Queensland Clean Needle Helpline on 1800 633 353.