If you find a needle or syringe in a public space
If you find a discarded needle or syringe in a public place, either:
- call the Victorian Needle and Syringe Disposal Helpline on 1800 552 355 (free call, 24 hours)
- call Knox's Health Services team on 9298 8000.
We aim to remove reported discarded syringes in public places within 24 hours.
If you think you can collect the syringe yourself, follow these instructions on how to do it safely.
Where to dispose of needles and syringes
Residents
Call the Victorian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) Disposal Helpline on 1800 552 355 to:
- get information on how to safely dispose of needles and syringes
- arrange to drop off full sharps containers at an NSP location
We also offer a syringe container collection and disposal service to all residents within the municipality. You can pick up sharps containers from our customer service counter.
Drop off locations
Below is a list of drop off locations in Knox.
Check the Victorian Needle and Syringe Program web page for up-to-date locations.
| Suburb | Locations | Drop off hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bayswater | Bayswater Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13 Mountain Highway Shopping Centre 7-13 High Street, Bayswater Phone: 9729 5110 | Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday and public holidays |
| Bayswater | Direct Chemist Outlet - Knox Health G01 / 538 Mountain Highway, Bayswater | Monday to Friday Saturday |
| Boronia Heights | Boronia Heights Pharmacy Can drop off containers but must pay for a replacement | Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday |
| Ferntree Gully | EACH - Knox 1063 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully Phone: 1300 003 224 | Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm |
| Ferntree Gully | Hawkes Pharmacy Do not accept drop offs but can provide replacement containers | Monday to Wednesday Thursday to Friday Saturday Sunday |
| Wantirna South | Amcal Pharmacy 203 Stud Road, Wantirna South Phone: 9801 2111 | Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday |
| Wantirna South | Knox City Council Customer Service Counter 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South Phone: 9298 8000 | Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm |
Businesses
If your business uses sharps for procedures or services, you must arrange for sharps disposal via a private contractor.
For more information on sharps disposal generated from commercial use, visit the Environmental Protection Agency.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Health Services team on 9298 8000.
