Discarded needles are a danger after the snow melt. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Discarded needle danger

Snow melt can reveal dangerous discarded needles

Mar 19, 2024 | 12:43 PM

The melted snow across the northeast can bring about a potential health hazard.

The spring can reveal discarded needles in public places like parks and playgrounds – or even near or in your own yard.

Nipawin Fire Chief Paul Cockell told northeastNOW it is best to be extremely cautious when dealing with discarded sharps.

“Don’t try to pick them up yourself. If you see something, make a note of it, call it in,” explained Cockell.

He said in Nipawin you can call the fire hall at 306-862-4000, the Town Office at 306-862-9866, or the Provincial Dispatch at 1-306-953-4284. Other communities across the northeast can call their local fire halls, town offices, or the Provincial Dispatch.

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“If you’re out walking in the grass and you see something, definitely call it in,” Cockell said. “If you can stay on-scene that would be great.”

If you spot a discarded needle and can’t stay on-scene, Cockell advises you to mark the area where you found the needle. Cockell said a woman walking her dog in Nipawin last week found a needle and tied a dog waste bag to a tree to mark the spot where she found the sharp.

Anyone who accidentally pokes themselves with a needle is encouraged to promote bleeding from the area, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, then quickly go to the emergency room.

“There’s a myriad of different things that you can get from these objects so it’s always better safe than sorry.”

For those taking care of sharps in their own homes, Cockell recommends using a proper sharps container. If you don’t have a sharps container you can use a hard plastic container such as a laundry soap or bleach bottle. Do not use a pop or water bottle as they can be punctured, and glass bottles and jars can break, releasing the contents.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK