The St. John’s council lead for public works is encouraging people to contact the city directly if they notice needles in public spaces.
There has been a plethora of images circulating on social media lately of discarded needles being discovered on public property, and one frightening instance of children at a daycare discovering a needle buried in the ground.
Greg Noseworthy says the city is “limited” in what it can do as the provision of healthcare, action on drug use, is under the jurisdiction of the provincial government and NLHS.
Councillor Greg Noseworthy (VOCM News)
That said, Noseworthy notes the city does have several sharps disposal containers in public places.
He says people can call the city about any needles in public places and staff will go in and take care of it. They will not, however, collect items found on private or provincial government property.
He says people need to call 311. While social media posts are a good information tool, he cautions that staff don’t monitor what’s online and formal reports need to be made.
