The County of Lambton is making arrangements to place a Community Sharps Disposal Program bin at Sarnia Library.
Sarnia council will consider a request, at its meeting on Monday, to have the large medical waste bin installed and maintained by Lambton Public Health.
In its proposal, the county said library staff have encountered a high volume of discarded needles on the grounds over the past several months, and a total of eight bins have been placed in other Sarnia-Lambton locations.
While the library currently maintains containers within its interior washrooms, there haven't been any outside, so maintenance staff have conducted daily inspections to collect discarded needles.
Mayor Mike Bradley said it has very much become a health and safety issue.
"So, it has worked well at the library, but the need is to upgrade that and to put it in a different location," he said. "Again, it's a sign of the times unfortunately across the country with the increase in drug use. At least what we can do is try to mitigate, to some degree, the impact back on neighbourhoods and the streets of the city."
It's hoped the program will reduce the risk of blood borne illness from accidental exposure.
"Unfortunately, that part of the community has a serious issue right now with the Sharps devices. That's why the unit needs to be [located outside] there. The library area is a very public place, it attracts a lot of people, and this way there's the opportunity to get rid of these materials in a safe way that protects the public and protects the users too," Bradley added.
Exterior upgrades are also being considered at the site, particularly on the north side of the building where a covered space is located.
Decorative perimeter fencing and lighting upgrades are recommended to improve security, as well as concrete repairs and exterior painting.
"There are some other changes that are being discussed with the county," said Bradley. "It's an interesting situation here. The city is responsible for the building, but the county operates the building. So, those discussions are underway about what else could occur there. It is a public building and that must be kept in mind at all times. That people have access, during business hours, to that building without restriction. So, that is one of the issues that's under discussion."
Bradley said they understand the value of libraries to the community, but have to make sure that they're safe for people to use and the staff to work in.