Algoma Public Health
Safer Sharps Handling and Disposal
On This Page
1. Retrieve and dispose of sharps
2. Needle drop off bin locations in Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River & Elliot Lake
3. Looking for Sharps/Needle Containers?
4. Locations of Needle Exchange Programs in Algoma
Retrieve and dispose of sharps safely
Algoma Public Health (APH) and the City of Sault Ste. Marie would like to remind residents to be careful if they come across discarded needles. For the most part, people who use needles take steps to dispose of them properly. However, as the snow melts, you may find needles on the ground.
Sault Ste. Marie
In Sault Ste. Marie, if needles are found on public property, citizens may call the Public Works and Engineering Department at 705-759-5201 to arrange for pickup and proper disposal by City staff.
Elliot Lake
In Elliot Lake, if needles are found in city parks or city property please call 705-915-0357.
Sharps (needles) may pose a risk of physical harm or serious blood-borne infections if handled inappropriately. It is important to pick up and dispose of them properly
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DO:
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DO NOT:
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Needle Drop Bins
An alternative option for needle disposal is to use the Needle Drop Bins that are throughout the city that will allow for 24-hour disposal. The Needle Drop Bins provide an option for the public to safely drop off any used needles found in the community. Please use the instructions above and place only small hard plastic containers with lids in the Drop Bins.
1. John Howard Society
2. Southeast corner of Gore and Albert E, on Albert St.
5. 172 James Street (Soup Kitchen)
10. Blind River Public Library
Needle drop bin in Elliot Lake
46 Ontario Avenue, Elliot Lake
Needle drop bin in Wawa
12 Ontario St., Wawa
Locations of Needle Exchange Programs in Algoma:
Location:
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When:
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Algoma Public Health 294 Willow Avenue |
Monday 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday
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Sault Ste. Marie Community Resource Centre |
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday 1 pm - 4 pm
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Algoma Public Health |
Wednesday 1-4 pm |
Algoma Public Health |
Monday - Friday |
Algoma Public Health
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Monday - Friday |
Looking for Sharps/Needle Containers?
Individuals:
- For individuals who inject medication (i.e. insulin), sharps containers are available at select pharmacies
- For other individuals, containers are available at all Needle Exchange Program locations
Businesses
- Businesses and health care providers must obtain sharps disposal containers and arrange for a disposal contract with a biomedical waste disposal company
For more information about sharps disposal guidelines in Ontario, check The Management Of Biomedical Waste In Ontario - Public Services Health and Safety Association
For more information, please email harmreduction@algomapublichealth.com
Last Modified: October 2, 2023