The City of Karratha has 23 public sharps disposal units located across the local government area. These units are maintained and serviced regularly by the City’s Sanitation Team. A list of locations can be found here. If no disposal unit is nearby, place sharps in a rigid, puncture-resistant container with a secure lid before disposing of it in your household rubbish bin.
If you find a sharp, it can be reported to the City
Use the City’s ‘Report It’ portal karratha.wa.gov.au/report-it or call (08) 9186 8555.
Reports help us respond promptly, record the date and location and identify potential “hot-spot” areas for targeted monitoring and clean-up.
Alternatively, you can dispose of it safely following the Department of Health guidelines:
- Do not be alarmed.
- Get a rigid-walled, puncture resistant, plastic container with a well-secured lid, preferably screw top. Avoid using glass which can shatter, aluminium that can be squashed or frosted plastic that may not be puncture-proof.
- Bring the container to the needle and syringe, and place on the ground next to the needle and syringe. Do not hold the container as you are putting the syringe in it.
- Pick up the used needle and syringe by the blunt end, away from the point. Do not touch the sharp point.
- Do not try to put the plastic protective cap back on a needle if it has been removed.
- Put the needle and syringe, point first into the container. More than one needle and syringe can be placed in the container, but do not overfill. Do not carry the needle and syringe unless it is in a suitable container.
- Make sure the container is tightly sealed.
- Put the sealed container in a domestic rubbish bin. Do not put needles and syringes down toilets, in recycling bins or post boxes.
- If you accidently prick yourself with the needle, find out how to treat discarded needle and syringe injuries.
Tell children never to pick up a needle, but to let an adult know if they find one.
For more information
Visit Healthy WA: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Safe-disposal-of-needles-and-syringes
Contact the City of Karratha on (08) 9186 8555 or email enquiries@karratha.wa.gov.au.
Documents
Sharps Disposal Locations
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Frequently asked questions
What are sharps?
“Sharps” is the common term used for needles and syringes, and any other implements that are used to pierce the skin.
What are the risks associated with discarded sharps?
Needlestick injuries happen when a sharp object, such as a needle or blade, accidentally breaks the skin.
A needlestick injury can expose you to blood-borne viruses (e.g. hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV) or dangerous substances, such as medicines, drugs or chemicals.
In case of a sharps injury, seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to your employer or supervisor if in a work environment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases and ensure the safety of healthcare workers.
Is there a needle and syringe program (NSP) within the City of Karratha district?
Yes, there is. The program is run by WA Country Health Service (WACHS) and is available at the Karratha Health Campus, Roebourne Hospital and at local pharmacies. Further information can be found here.
What does the NSP involve?
Fitpacks can be obtained free of charge. A Fitpack includes clean needles, syringes and sharps containers for the safe disposal of sharps.
Who is responsible for the safe disposal of sharps?
Users are responsible for the safe disposal of sharps.
What are “sharps containers” or “sharps bins”?
A sharps container is a specially designed container used to safely store used sharps, such as needles and razor blades. It is puncture-resistant and has a secure lid to minimise the risk of injuries and contamination. Sharps containers help prevent accidents and maintain safety.
What can I do if I find used sharps in a public place?
If you find any used sharps, report this to the City of Karratha through the Report It app. or by phoning the City on (08) 9186 8555. When making your report, please provide clear location information and if possible, a photo of the site to enable staff to find and collect the sharps.
What happens once your report is received?
Discarded sharps are classed as a priority 1 and are usually collected within 4 hours. If a report is received late on any day, it will be actioned the following day.
Can I pick up used sharps and dispose of them myself?
Yes, sharps can be picked up and disposed of if you exercise caution. Please refer to the Department of Health poster on How to safely dispose of a discarded syringe for guidance. Once the lid is on, the sharps container may be placed in your household rubbish bin, or you can drop it off at the 7 Mile Landfill.
Children should not pick up or handle discarded sharps and should be taught to report any used sharps to their parents or teacher.
Are there any sharps containers located in public places for users to safely dispose of their sharps?
Yes, sharps containers are located at several sites across the City. These are mainly at public toilets at ovals or other public spaces frequented by users.
Are UV lights (blue lights) used at public facilities?
UV lights make veins harder to see and are used to deter users from specific locations. Unfortunately, the poor lighting increases the risk for needle injuries and resulting blood spills, which become another public health risk to manage. The UV lights may also cause users to leave and inject themselves elsewhere where there are no sharps containers, which lead to discarded sharps in public places. For these reasons UV lights are not commonly used.