Needle drop off bins come to Kamloops parks

Jun 10, 2016 | 11:50 AM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops is taking measures to reduce the number of needles discarded improperly in the city.

Sharp disposal bins have been placed at bathroom facilities in both Riverside Park and Pioneer Park.

The city’s Social Planning Co-ordinator, Jen Casorso, says it’s a pilot project.

“It’s about just being a lot more accessible as a city for everyone. Anyone from an expectant mother who has gestational diabetes (and) has to dispose of needles, to someone who is an injection drug user,” said Casorso. 

“We are hoping that we are providing a third option for people should they not be able to return their needle to a pharmacy, or the needle distribution program that they got them from, or if they’re not able to dispose of these needles in their own personal container.” 

Casorso adds the locations are based on routes that park staff can collect easily, and if they are well-used, the city may install the bins at more locations.

“The locations in part were selected based on the routes of park staff, so that is it easy for pick-up. It’s not out of their way, but it is still very accessible to the public.”

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