| City of Peterborough - Public Works if found on roads/sidewalks |
705-745-1386 x 1286 |
| City of Peterborough - Recreation/Parks if found in parks or recreation spaces |
705-745-1386 x 2205 |
| Peterborough Police (non-emergency) for areas within Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan |
705-876-1122 |
| Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency) for areas outside of the City of Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan |
1-888-310-1122 |
| PARN Mobile Outreach | 705-559-0656 |
Safe Disposal of Needles and Sharps
When looking to safely dispose of needles, bowl pipes, and stems, we ask that you use a Community Sharps Disposal Bin. The Bins help reduce accidental contact with used needles and other harm reduction supplies. Personal Sharps Disposal Bins can be carried with you or stored at a secure location to dispose of used needles or other materials, and are available for pick up at the Health Unit and at Needle Syringe sites.
Safe Disposal of Found Sharps
If you find a needle or broken glass from pipes or inhalation tubes, follow these steps to safely pick it up and dispose of it. First, protect your hands by wearing gloves or using tongs. Carefully pick up the needle or glass, holding the tip away from yourself and others. Place it into a designated sharps container or a hard plastic container with a screw-on lid, but do not hold the container while placing it inside. Securely tape the lid and label the container as biohazard waste. Dispose of the sealed container in a proper disposal bin. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Please remember:
- Needles or other harm reduction supplies do not belong in the garbage, recycling, toilet or portable toilet — always use a personal or community sharps disposal bin.
- If you see sharps on the ground, use the steps above to safely dispose of them or find support below.
Community Sharps Disposal Bins
Community Sharps Disposal Bins are large disposal units at fixed locations and can be used to properly dispose of used harm reduction supplies, or used to dispose of personal disposal bins that are full. These Community Disposal Bins are placed outdoors and available 24 hours a day.
Safe Disposal of Sharps
You can safely dispose of discarded needles and other sharps by following these steps.
Find a Community Disposal Bin
Safe disposal sites are available. Know where to find them and use them.
Found Sharps on Private Property
If you see sharps on private property, contact the property owner to make them aware of the situation so they can respond. Business and rental property owners in need of sharps disposal can access free portable bins through the Health Unit and follow the steps to safely pick up and dispose of sharps independently. They can also advocate to have community disposal bins installed in areas that serve their neighbourhood. Anyone who is unable to safely remove the item(s) themselves can contact PARN for support. Do not call 9-1-1 to pick up discarded sharps.
Found Sharps on Public Property
Everyone has a role to play in keeping our public spaces clean and safe. If you see a needle or other sharps that have been improperly discarded, use these six steps for safe disposal.
Proper disposal of sharps helps prevent accidental injuries and protects public health. If you are unable to safely remove the item(s) yourself, contact the appropriate municipality in the dropdown menu below or PARN for support. Do not call 9-1-1 to pick up discarded sharps.
| City of Kawartha Lakes Park and Recreation |
705-324-9411 x 1301 |
| City of Kawartha Lakes outside of parks and trails |
705-324-9411 |
| City of Kawartha Lakes Police | 705-324-5252 (non-emergency) |
| PARN Mobile Outreach | 705-559-0656 |
| Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency) | 1-888-310-1122 |
| PARN Mobile Outreach | 705-559-0656 |
| Municipality of Dysart et al Parks Department |
705-457-1740 x 662 or 635 |
| Township of Minden Hills Community Services |
705-286-1936 x 552 or 554 |
| Brighton Public Works Department |
613-475-1162 after hours: 613-967-8707 |
| Cobourg Police (non-emergency) | 905-372-6821 |
| Northumberland OPP (non-emergency) for areas outside of Cobourg and Port Hope |
1-888-310-1122 |
| PARN Mobile Outreach | 705-559-0656 |
| Town of Cobourg Parks Department |
905-372-8641 |
| Trent Hills | 705-653-1900 |
Digital Resource Package
Get everything you need to promote Safe Disposal.
This all-in-one kit includes social media graphics, posters, videos, and website content — ready to use and easy to share.
Harm Reduction Team
Learn more about Substance Use and Harm Reduction of contact the Harm Reduction Team at the Health Unit.
