Community sharps disposal bins to be installed in Hamilton parks

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is placing sharps containers in select locations around the city to help reduce the number of improperly discarded needles and to promote the safe disposal of sharps in public places. A sharps bin is a durable container that is used to safely dispose of needles and other sharp medical instruments.

The installation of sharps disposal bins is a proven harm reduction effort that increases public safety. This action is being undertaken by the City to complement community efforts to address issues related to drug use and addictions and to support harm reduction, one of the four pillars identified in the Hamilton Drug Strategy.

Based on a targeted approach, the City’s Parks Department and Public Health Services worked together to identify the following eight City parks where sharps disposal bins will be installed:

• Beasley Park
• Cathedral Park
• Central Park
• Jackie Washington Park

• J.C. Beemer Park
• John Rebecca Park
• Victoria Park
• Woodland Park

Quick facts

• The sharps containers are bright yellow, freestanding, clearly labelled and will be emptied regularly by trained professionals. The bins will be installed over the next few months.
• Ensuring that all people who use needles can access safe disposal, and that stray needles, also called sharps, are dealt with promptly and safely is a priority for the City.
• Information on what to do if you see improperly disposed of needles is available on the City’s website at www.hamilton.ca/NeedleSuppliesDisposal, or by calling 905-546-4276 or emailing [email protected].

Additional resources

• Needle Supply Disposal
• Hamilton Drug Strategy