![]() ![]() Instead of throwing needles in the trash, you can also take them to one of the city’s 16 community sharps collection boxes. Once it’s sealed, it’s a good idea to label it “biohazard” before throwing it in the trash. Then, place it in a puncture-proof container like a laundry detergent or soda bottle. Rauscher recommends you wear gloves and only handle the needle in the middle, staying well away from the pointy end. Public Works only takes care of public spaces like streets, sidewalks and parks. If it appears on your property, it’s your only option. It was totally painless, which was a pleasant surprise.”Īnother option is taking care of the needle yourself. “I called public works,” said Delage, “and they sent someone that day to take care of it. One of my neighbors, Sarah Delage, recently found a used needle at the bottom of her recycling bin. If you find a used hypodermic needle in Portland, there’s several ways you can deal with it.įirst, if you see needles in a park or on the street, you can call the Department of Public Works. The free needle program also reports that it collects more needles than it distributes every year. Public works collects them off the ground when reported, as well. There are more than a dozen community needle collection boxes placed all over the city. But at the same time, Portland has made significant efforts to keep its streets, parks and playgrounds free of used syringes. With that many syringes in circulation - distributed by the city alone - you might expect to find heaps of them on every street corner. The numbers of clients and needles mirrors the growing opioid crisis. The free injection supplies are part of a broad, harm-reduction strategy that aims to halt the spread of bloodborne diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Since 2017, Portland has handed out more than a half million free needles.That’s in a city of less than 75,000 residents. ![]()
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