Disposal of syringes, needles & sharps
Council offers local residents a free disposal service for used hypodermic needles and syringes. These items are designated as biologically hazardous and require safe disposal.
To use this service, simply call at one of Council's customer service centres and ask for a 'Sharps' container. When the container has been filled with used syringes and needles, bring it back for replacement.
Council has a contract with an EPA approved medical waste disposal contractor who transports these containers and their contents to a high temperature incinerator for safe disposal.
Council staff are unable to accept used syringes and needles unless they are safely inside an approved sharps container.
Note: This service is not available to commercial operators, who should contact a Medical Waste Disposal service in the Yellow Pages.
Disposal of pharmaceuticals/medicines
Council offers local residents a free disposal for unwanted prescription tablets, liquids and ointments. This includes tablets that have passed their use by date, or you simply don't want them in the house where they may be a risk to children.
These items may pose a risk to our environment if flushed into the sewerage system and are likely to pose a serious health risk to anyone consuming them without doctor's advice.
To use this service bring these items to one of Council's customer service outlets where an officer will place them into a container ready for disposal by Council's EPA approved medical waste disposal contractor.
Syringes found on private property
The Eastern Metropolitan Region Primary Needle Syringe Program (EMR NSP) has a Syringe Disposal Hotline for syringes found on private property in the Eastern Metropolitan Region.
The number is generally staffed Monday to Friday 9-5pm. Residents can leave a message if there is no answer.
Please call 0430 524 749 and they will assist with syringe removal.
Syringes found on Council land
If you come across a discarded syringe, do not attempt to pick it up.
Contact Council's Public Health Unit on 1300 88 22 33 and report the exact location of the syringe. They will arrange to collect the syringe as soon as possible.
Further information
For further information, visit Council's Public Health Unit at Civic Square, Croydon or telephone 1300 88 22 33.
