The public health unit in Chatham-Kent is gathering community feedback on how to keep outdoor public spaces clean of used needles, inhalation tubes, and pipes.
CK Public Health is asking the public to take part in a survey on outdoor sharps disposal bins.
According to CK Public Health officials, the survey aims to explore the attitudes of residents towards sharps disposal bins.
"The insights gathered will guide the development of targeted messaging and educational materials designed to promote greater understanding and acceptance of sharps disposal bins," officials said. "The findings will also support decision-making relating to sharps disposal solutions in the community and may help inform future harm reduction programming or policy discussions."
The health unit noted that responses will be anonymous and confidential.
The survey deadline is November 30, 2025. It's open to adults who live, work, or go to school in Chatham-Kent.
Click here to fill out the survey.
CK Public Health noted that anyone picking up used sharps should use tongs and pick up the needle by the plastic end. They should wear disposable gloves and placed the needle in a non-breakable, puncture-proof container, sharp end first. Officials said people should not try to put the cap back on the needle, and that the container should be brought to a community disposal bin location.
The disposal bins look like mailboxes, but are yellow and have a biohazard sign on them. They can be found at CK Public Health at 435 Grand Avenue West in Chatham, CK Public Health Clinic Services at 177 King Street East in Chatham, Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission at 325 Grand Avenue East in Chatham, Tecumseh Park at Stanley Avenue in Chatham, Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre at 150 Richmond Street in Chatham, Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre at 808 Dufferin Avenue in Wallaceburg, and Chatham-Kent Public Library at 209 James Street in Wallaceburg.
Many pharmacies also offer free sharps containers and accept full sharps containers for disposal.
