Caution urged with needles during trash pickup

With the arrival of breakup in the Mat-Su, accumulating litter buried by winter’s snowfall along many roads and trails are now exposed. Some of that litter may include used syringes, a potentially hazardous find.

Michael Carson of the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force noted such a discovery needs to be handled carefully. He said there are proper ways to safely pick up and dispose of found needles and additionally, properly added them to the Valley’s waste stream.

Carson said anyone taking on the task should wear gloves, and use caution when taking on the task. He said the use of pliers or tongs is discouraged unless there is no other way to secure the item.

“You don’t want the needle to slip out of your tool’s grasp,” Carson said. “Never break the needle off or try to recap it. It may cause injury, spread disease or germs.”

Carson said if you do receive a needle stick, clean the site with soap and water or an antiseptic such as isopropyl alcohol. Make sure to follow up with a visit to your health care provider or hospital.

To dispose of collected syringes, use a puncture-proof container with a lid. Carson said while “medical sharps” containers are a first choice, there are alternatives.

“But use something thicker than a milk jug,” said Carson,” like a jug for detergent or kitty litter. Once the needles are in the container, don’t take them out.”

Carson said take the container to an approved drop-off site. In the Mat-Su, that site is Central Landfill.

“Give your container to the gatehouse attendant. If that’s not possible, it’s okay to throw them away in a puncture-proof, lidded container,” Carson said.

Area residents closer to Eagle River may take their gathered syringes in the appropriate container to Providence Health Park Eagle River Center, 11701 Snowmobile Lane.

—Chris Ford