Used needles left in public and private places are both a nuisance and a potential safety concern. Whether they\u2019re used to inject medicines like insulin or for illegal drugs, used needles can spread diseases like Hepatitis C through accidental needle pokes. While the risk of contracting a disease from a needle-stick injury is very low, you can further reduce that risk by using the right equipment and procedures. It is also important to teach children to never pick up needles found on the ground and to report them to a trusted adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since rolling out the free needle clean-up kit program in September 2017, over 800 kits have been distributed by the Snohomish County Health Department. These kits have ensured the safe and proper disposal of more than 10,000 syringes. As a result of Opioid Response Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group efforts, the program is expanding to make it simpler and safer for residents and business owners to clean up and dispose of needles found in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is intended for residents and business owners to clean up used needles found in the community, not for businesses or individuals that generate used needles. Insulin needles or other medical sharps should be disposed of in sharps containers provided by local pharmacies or clinics \u2013 click \u201cSee disposal locations\u201d.<\/a> Please note that Snohomish County residents cannot dispose of sharps in the trash and that Snohomish County Health Department does not accept insulin sharps. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are needing to exchange used needles for new ones, please go to the Snohomish County Syringe Services Program (https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/syringeservices\/<\/a>). <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are hosting a community clean up event and need two gallon sharps containers, please email opioids@snohd.org<\/a> with at least two weeks\u2019 notice before your clean up event. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the locations where free clean-up kits can be picked up during normal business hours (please call ahead to ensure kits are available):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The City of Everett and the Snohomish County Health Department have developed a short video on how to safely collect and dispose of used needles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What to do if you find a needle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n