Drug paraphernalia when it is not disposed of properly is known as drug litter. Drug paraphernalia is any equipment or material that is used for making, using or carrying drugs.
If you find discarded needles do not handle them and report the location to Cornwall Council Customer Services here https://secure.cornwall.gov.uk/form/auto/waste_cleanse_request or telephone 0300 1234 141
It is possible that blood borne diseases could be transmitted to you by inadvertently receiving a needle stick injury, when, for example; handling refuse or piles of leaves in areas open to the public. This can also include private areas open to the public such as behind front low garden walls.
In the unlikely event that you receive a needle stick injury from a discarded needle, you should attend your local medical establishment as soon as possible for advice.
Reporting drug litter not only informs the Council’s Waste Team of the issue so they can collect them, it also notifies Cornwall’s drug and alcohol recovery service WeAreWithYou, so they know where the issues are and may send some outreach workers to connect with the people leaving the litter there to offer support.
WeAreWithYou operate a needle exchange in some areas of Cornwall
Where you can:
• pick up free needles and barrels
• return used equipment
• get confidential advice
• use our new click and collect service
Information on what to expect when you visit a needle exchange is available here
Visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/ for more information.
For more information on needle exchange contact We Are With You on 0333 2000 325
For collections from Private Property, Cornwall Council offers a clinical waste collection service that can be accessed here: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/rubbish-and-waste-collections/clinical-waste-collections/
If you need help or support you can get more information on our drug pages Here
