Stay alert for needles found in public areas and bins

Bega Valley Shire Council is urging the community to remain alert following a concerning increase in the discovery of used needles in public areas and waste bins across the shire.

Used needles and syringes found during routine waste handling.

Used needles and syringes found during routine waste handling.

18 July 2025

Bega Valley Shire Council is urging the community to remain alert following a concerning increase in the discovery of used needles in public areas and waste bins across the shire.

“Incorrect disposal of used needles and community sharps is a serious public health risk,” Infrastructure Director, Ian Macfarlane said.

“Discarded needles pose a risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

“When needles are left on the ground or discarded in household or public bins, they put everyone at risk, especially waste collection staff and young children who might come across them.

“If you are using needles for any purpose, please dispose of them correctly to protect your community.”

If you come across a needle in a public area, do not touch it. Please report it immediately to the NSW Government’s Needle Clean-up Hotline on 1800 633 353 so it can be collected and disposed of safely.

Needles and other sharps must never be placed in regular household or public rubbish bins.

Secure community sharps disposal points are available in the shire and should always be used for the safe disposal of needles and syringes.

To find your nearest community sharps disposal point, visit the NSW Needle and Syringe Program webpage.

For further information about safe needle disposal, visit the NSW Government’s Community Sharps Management webpage.

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Bega NSW 2550
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