Safe Needle Disposal — City of Kelowna is part of the emergency-services and reporting directory on HelpKelowna for Kelowna. The page below covers when to call, what's covered, and how to reach the right team.
Categories: Emergency Services & Reporting
Did you find a used needle in a park, on a sidewalk, or in another public space in Kelowna? You can ask the City to pick it up. Or, if you feel comfortable, you can pick it up yourself and drop it off at a health centre. ▸ Option 1: Ask the City to pick it up (public spaces only) • Call the Fire Department non-emergency line at 250-469-8801. • Choose "needle collection." • Give the exact location, including the street address. • Staff will pick up the needle or tell you how to get rid of it safely. • This line is only for public spaces. ▸ Option 2: Pick it up yourself Interior Health says the risk of getting sick from a needle is extremely low. Never put a needle in the garbage or recycling. 1. Find a hard plastic container with a lid that closes tightly, like a wide-mouth drink bottle. Take the lid off and set it on the ground next to the needle. 2. Wear gloves or use tongs if you have them. Pick up the needle by the middle of the barrel. Keep the sharp end pointing down and away from you. 3. Drop it in sharp end first and close the lid. Do not break the needle or put the cap back on. 4. Take off your gloves. Wash your hands well with soap and water. 5. Drop off the sealed container at one of the places below. ▸ Where can I drop it off? Interior Health public health, mental health and primary care sites accept sealed containers of used needles, including: • Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre, 505 Doyle Avenue. Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM • Outreach Urban Health Centre, 1649 Pandosy Street. Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM • Rutland Health Centre, 285 Aurora Crescent, #102. Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM • Some pharmacies may take sealed containers. Call ahead first.
Also known as: needle pickup, sharps disposal, discarded needle, syringe disposal
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