DISPOSAL:

We know that used and discarded syringes are a real problem around South Minneapolis – and we support a variety of Harm Reduction measures that we believe can alleviate this problem. In the meantime, the good news is that it’s possible to clean up syringes safely. A few things to keep in mind:

Wear gloves if available, and always wash your hands well afterward
Make sure you can see the syringe clearly (use tools other than your body to move debris around it if needed)
Pick up the syringe carefully by the middle of the barrel, avoiding the needle end
Do not try to recap the syringe, as this is an easy way to accidentally stick yourself
Have your disposal container ready to put the syringe into, needle end first. Place the container nearby, so you don’t have to travel far with the syringe
More about syringe clean-up safety is available here

YOU CAN CONTACT SHRS WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT DISPOSAL, INCLUDING GETTING A BIOHAZARD BIN FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD
SYRINGES SHOULD BE PLACED INTO A PUNCTURE-PROOF PLASTIC CONTAINER (SUCH AS AN EMPTY LAUNDRY DETERGENT BOTTLE) WITH A SCREW-ON LID. THESE CAN BE TAPED SHUT, LABELED “DO NOT RECYCLE: HOUSEHOLD SHARPS,” AND PUT INTO THE TRASH
IN MINNEAPOLIS, THERE IS ALSO A “SYRINGE DROPBOX PILOT PROGRAM.” CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING A LIST OF CURRENT DROP BOX LOCATIONS
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DISPOSING OF SYRINGES IN HENNEPIN COUNTY IS AVAILABLE HERE