Vancouver Needle Distribution and Recovery Van
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The Neighbourhood Needle Recovery Program recovers discarded needles safely and quickly from Vancouver neighbourhoods.
The Needle Recovery Program recovers needles quickly and safely in several ways, including:
- supplying needle drop boxes in lanes throughout the Downtown Eastside
- collecting used needles at exchanges located in eight community health centres across Vancouver at over 40 other community-based locations
- conducting regular needle sweeps in school grounds and parks, and locations affected by high volumes of discarded needles
- recording where and how many needles are discarded in public places
- coordinating needle pick-up with community groups
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I safely deal with a discarded needle?
- Don’t touch discarded needles with your bare hands – get the proper equipment
- sturdy gloves (rubber or leather)
- tongs or pliers
- puncture-resistant plastic container
- Transfer the needle to the container by using tongs or pliers to pick up the needle and place it in the container
- Secure the lid
- Wash hands and gloves
- Return to any community health centre or call the needle pick-up hotline at (604) 657-6561 for pick-up
- Don’t touch discarded needles with your bare hands – get the proper equipment
-
What do I do if I get struck or pricked by a discarded needle?
- Don’t panic
- Wash the affected area with soap and water – do not use bleach or alcohol as they will irritate the wound
- Allow the pricked area or wound to bleed freely – do not squeeze it
- Go to the nearest emergency room for assessment by a doctor
Contact the Needle Recovery Hotline
Phone: (604) 657-6561
Vancouver Coastal Health’s goal is to recover all inappropriately discarded needles as soon as possible or within 24 hours of a call to the hotline.
Other needle pick-up services
City of Richmond Public Works Department
If a needle is found in a public space, please call (604) 270-8721 with as much information as possible about where the needles are and where city staff should look. This 24-hour service treats discarded needles in public spaces as a priority.
Sechelt Straight to the Point clean-up crew
If a needle is found in Sechelt, please call the Straight to the Point clean-up crew: (604) 619-9502.
Powell River Fire Rescue
Within the city limits of Powell River, please call (604) 485-4431. If unable to contact someone, call 911 and ask the fire dispatch for a needle pickup.