With the snow thawing, there’s likely to be lots of garbage and other unsanitary items revealed.
The things you should be most cautious about is discarded needles.
Thunder Bay Strategy wants to remind residents that if they spot one, not to touch it. Instead you can contact Superior Points at 621-7861 or 621-7862 and they’ll come by and safely collect the medical sharp waste.
If you do decide to clean it up here are some tips on how to do it safely, lowering the risk of injury…
- Use tongs or pliers and store needles in a hard plastic container with a lid, such as an empty peanut butter jar. Don’t use a glass container, as it can break.
- Mark the container with the word needle.
- Drop off containers at Elevate NWO, Shelter House or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
- Drop off single needles into any of the yellow metal disposal bins found throughout the City. For locations, visit TBDHU.com and click on sexual health, then needle exchange.
Across the city, there are 16 metal needle disposal bins.
Even though the risk of getting an infection from a needle stick is very low, it should still be done with caution and safety measures.
Needle disposal kits are available from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit through Superior Points, or at Elevate NWO. The kits include tongs, a plastic container, rubber gloves and safety instructions.