Safe Sharps Containers will soon be installed in three locations in Kentville
The Town of Kentville is implementing a Safe Sharps Disposal program in the community in the interest of harm reduction and as an effort towards keeping parks and greenspaces clean and safe. The safe sharps containers will provide community members, visitors, and all public space users with three safe locations to dispose of "sharps".
The bins will be a new addition to the regular waste disposal and recycling bins found in the following locations:
- Miners Marsh
- Centre Square
- Oakdene Park
The bins will be accessible in the above noted locations, one bin in each location. The bins will be easily recognizable as branded bins with clear labels and instructions for use. Staff from Public Works and Parks and Recreation will monitor and manage the bins.
Whether you use sharps regularly or happen to come across a sharp in the community, please do not do the following:
- DO NOT put used sharps in the garbage, recycling or compost.
- DO NOT flush sharps down the toilet
- DO NOT try to remove, bend or recap needles used by another person
Sharps can harm people who are handling garbage bags or sorting your recyclables. Needle stick injuries from used sharps may cause infections or diseases. Help keep our community safe and dispose of sharps safely through your pharmacist or in a Community Safe Sharps Container.
What do I do if I find a sharp on public property?
If you find sharps anywhere on public property including sidewalks, streets, parks, trails or facilities, contact the Kentville Policeusing the non-emergency phone line and report it. 902-678-3378
What do I do if I find a sharp on private property?
If you find sharps or needles on private property including in residential homes or yards, apartments, commercial buildings and parking lots, the property owner is responsible for disposing of them safely. Please review the below instructions for the Safe Disposal of Sharps or Needles.
Adults can dispose of a found needle using the equipment listed and following the steps:
Equipment
- Tongs and gloves – if available use puncture proof needle resistant gloves, to prevent potential needle stick injuries, and tongs to collect the needle or sharp
- Sturdy container with lid - such as an empty pop or household cleaner bottle.
Steps
- Wear gloves and use tongs
- Bring a puncture-proof, sealable container to where the needle was found
- Pick up the needle by the middle of the plastic tube with the sharp end facing down.
- Place the needle in the container sharp end first and close the container tightly.
- Remove gloves and wash your hands and equipment with soap and water.
- Bring the container to a Town of Kentville Safe Sharps Container
If you use Sharps, please dispose of them properly:
The Safe Sharps Bring-Back Program is administered by the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia and funded by Nova Scotia pharmacies, sharp manufacturers and distributors.