Hamilton is placing disposal containers for sharps waste in select locations around the city to help reduce the number of improperly discarded needles and promote safe disposal in public spaces.

Sharps waste includes any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin. Such a bin is used to safely dispose of needles and other sharp medical instruments.

The installation of sharps disposal bins is a proven harm reduction effort that increases public safety. Hamilton is attempting to address issues related to drug use and addictions and to support harm reduction, one of the four pillars identified in the Hamilton Drug Strategy.

Based on a targeted approach, the Parks Department and Public Health Services worked together to identify eight city parks where sharps disposal bins will be installed: