To the Editor:

We are writing to respond to recent articles in the [local print media] about needles and syringes being found in public places.  While the number of these incidents remains relatively small, discarded needles and syringes pose a serious health risk for anyone who comes in contact with them.  The Somerville Police Department and the Somerville Board of Health advise residents to follow the rules below to safely dispose of these hazardous materials.  (Information is also available in the Health Department section of the city website: www.ci.somerville.ma.us.)

If you find a needle or syringe:

-Police Officers can be dispatched to retrieve needles. Residents may call (617) 625-1212 and an officer will be sent to the scene to collect the needle. Please note that officers are not always immediately available.
-Residents who cannot wait for the police should observe the following steps:
1. Do not attempt to break, cut, bend, or recap the needle
2. Obtain a sturdy container, such as a heavy plastic container (ideally a detergent or bleach bottle) or coffee can.
3. Carefully place the syringe into the container and seal it.  Avoid touching the needle and use a barrier (gloves, a piece of plastic, tongs, or tweezers) to pick up the syringe.
4. The container can be brought to the Somerville Police Department for disposal. 

Home Disposal of Medical Syringes & Lancets

1. Obtain a sturdy container as described above. Inexpensive sharps containers are also available at most pharmacies and are the safest containers for needles.  Some companies offer a “mail-in” service where used sharps can be mailed back for disposal.
2. Place syringes or lancets in container immediately after use.
3. When container is ¾ full, place the cover on tightly.  If using a coffee can, seal the cover thoroughly with duct tape to keep needles from puncturing lid.
4. Properly sealed containers can be placed in trash, but this is not the best option as trash collectors can be injured and needles are not always incinerated.
5. Never place a sharps container or homemade needle container in the recycling bin.

Sincerely,

Noreen Burke, Director    Chief Robert R. Bradley
Somerville Health Department   Somerville Police Department