Renfrewshire Council

What you should do if you find a discarded needle or syringe

If you've found a discarded needle or syringe in an open area, or anywhere that's a danger to the public, report it to us straightaway.

Do not touch the syringe, or let children or pets near it.

We'll need to know exactly where it is so that we can find it quickly. 

Used needles and syringes

You should not put used needles or syringes in your bins or take them to our household waste recycling centres.

Instead, return used hypodermic needles to your doctor's surgery or health centre for safe disposal.

Before you report it

It will help if you can tell us the address where you found it. If you don't know the exact address, you can use the map on the online form to pinpoint its location. 

If you can't find it on the map, tell us the nearest street or landmark, and describe where it is in that place - for example, if it's beside a bin or street lamp.

Give us any other details, like how many needles or syringes you found or how dangerous they are. 

You can also upload photos of the needles or syringes or the location if you have them.

How to report it

Report it online

Report a discarded needle or syringe

Other ways to report it

Phone  0300 300 0300.

After you've reported it

If you provide us with an email address, we'll send you a confirmation email with a case reference number.

When we receive your report, we will investigate the issue.

We aim to remove discarded needles and syringes within 24 hours.

We may contact you if we can't find anything.