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You may find a needle or syringe in many different places:

• houses
• bus stations
• car parks
• gardens
• pubs
• shops
• parks
• nightclubs
• public toilets

Whenever you find a syringe or needle, inform someone to make sure it is collected.

If the needle is in a public place you should report it to the Street Cleansing Section at Ashfield District Council or your local Police Station. If it is on private land it is the property owner's responsibility to remove it.

• DO NOT touch it
• DO NOT let friends or pets touch it
• DO NOT hide it
• DO NOT kick it down the drain
• DO NOT put it in a dustbin or litter bin, or down the toilet
• If you are young, tell a grown up, e.g. your Mum, Dad, teacher or a Police Officer

The needle or syringe may not be collected immediately. If you feel you want to do something yourself then:

• Find a suitable container, e.g a glass jar or metal drinks can (it is better if the container has a lid)
• Take the container to the syringe or needle
• Handle the syringe carefully avoiding the needle (ideally use tongs, tweezers or heavy-duty gloves)
• Put the sharp end into the container first
• Afterwards wash your hands thoroughly
• Keep it somewhere safe awaiting collection

If Someone Is Injured By A Needle

• Encourage bleeding for a minute or two by squeezing the wound to push out any germs
• DO NOT suck the wound
• Wash the area with soap and water
• Contact your doctor or local Accident & Emergency department immediately for advice

There is a low risk of getting a blood-borne infection such as HIV or hepatitis from a needle stick injury. For immediate confidential advice contact your genito-urinary medicine clinic at the Kings Mill Centre or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Remember, if you are an injecting drug user, always dispose of used injecting equipment in a safe manner. Returning it to the needle exchange is the best method.

Never throw it in a bin, down the drain, or leave it lying around anywhere.
Someone else always has to clean it up!

Syringes or needles in the wrong places are dangerous.