Safe Disposal of Needles and Syringes


In Australia, it is not an offence to possess sterile needles and syringes. However, it is an offence to dispose of injecting equipment in an unsafe manner.

What is Safe Disposal?

This means used needles and syringes should be placed immediately after use in a properly sealed, rigid walled, puncture-proof container and disposed of in a wheelie bin or preferably your nearest public sharps disposal bin. The nearest public disposal bin is found at Goondir Health, Victoria Street, St George.

Queensland Health's Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) provide free disposal containers and sterile needles and syringes to people who require injecting equipment.

To find out where your nearest NSP is situated call your local Community Health Centre or the Queensland Clean Needle Helpline (1800 633 353) or visit the Queensland Needle and Syringe Program webpage.