This pile of discarded used needles was found in a snow pile in North Battleford earlier this week. (Submitted photo)

By Angela Brown

Public safety

More sightings of discarded needles not unusual for time of year

Apr 13, 2023 | 6:14 PM

Spring in the Battlefords is a time when trees begin to bud for many, but it’s also the season when heaps of dumped used needles appear on the ground as the last of the snow melts away.

One local resident was concerned after discovering dozens of used needles in a pile of snow that was melting in the alleyway near the Windsor Crescent area in North Battleford, earlier this week while out for a walk.

City Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services Lindsay Holm said finding lots of needles at this time of year is not unusual.

“It’s kind of a typical occurrence,” he said. “With the melting snow, people will find some discarded needles. It’s nothing that’s out of the ordinary for us right now. The numbers that we’re seeing are relatively similar to previous years. So, we’re out there collecting needles.”

Holm said as calls come in, his crews will go out and retrieve the needles, so they are disposed of safely.

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He reminds people who use needles not to just throw them on the ground to get rid of them.

“The one thing that I would encourage people to do is: If they are having needles in their possession, that there are a number of drop-boxes located throughout the city,” he said. “I would encourage people to utilize those, so it doesn’t take up as many resources to be able to dispose of them for either our CSOs [Community Safety Officers], or our fire department personnel.”

For the public, if they find some needles on the ground, they can call City Hall at 306-445-1700 or the North Battleford Fire Dept. fire hall to request someone to come collect them.

If people feel comfortable about picking up the needles themselves, Holm said they should follow safe practices and put the needle in a sealed container. Then, they are asked to take the needle to one of the large yellow drop-boxes around the city, and discard it there.

But if people find a batch of needles, it’s best to call for assistance.

“I would say if there is a large quantity, that they report those to the direct line at City Hall, the receptionist-line there. And, they will make sure we come out and do the clean up of those needles for them,” Holm said.

Information about disposing of needles safely, and locations for needle drop-boxes is
available here .

Holm said the city is in the process of adding new information to its website to update the needle drop-box locations. It will also add more details about safe-handling procedures for those people who do feel comfortable in picking up needles on their own, and disposing of them properly.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW