Safe Needle Disposal in Terrace

Safe Needle Disposal in Terrace

Leisure Services

Effective December 27, 2019, the City of Terrace is changing the way we deal with discarded needles and drug paraphernalia. Currently, our Leisure Services department has been attending to discarded needles on both public and private property. Going forward, the City will continue to make pickups in public spaces, parks, and areas within our jurisdiction. However, businesses and property owners will be responsible for handling the collection of these items on their own properties. The Clean Team will also collect items on their daily walking routes in the downtown core.

What is the Clean Team?

The Clean Team peer workers evolved out of the Terrace Clean Team Project Committee stakeholder group and are managed through grant funding received by TDCSS to collect needles in the downtown core and provide education and assistance to the addicted population. The Clean Team operates seasonally, generally from March to the end of October, weather permitting, although in 2019 they were able to continue into December. Training takes place during the off season.

Why is this change being made?

The City’s collection service was intended as a short-term measure until the Clean Team was established and information was distributed throughout the community regarding safe needle disposal. Now that both have been achieved, the responsibility for discarded needle pickup on private property will rest with the Clean Team or property owners.

What should I do if I find a needle?

With simple household items and the use of caution, you don’t need to be afraid to dispose of drug paraphernalia.

If you find a needle on private property, like in a private parking lot, inside your business’ bathroom, or in your residential yard:

  • Safely dispose of it by following the instructions in the Safe Needle Disposal Information Guide, linked below.

If you find a needle on public property, like in George Little Park, the Sportsplex parking lot, or on the sidewalk:

  • Safely dispose of it by following the instructions in the Safe Needle Disposal Information Guide, linked below, OR
  • Contact the City of Terrace at 250-615-3000.

A clean and safe Terrace is a shared responsibility. Thank you for doing your part!

Download the Safe Needle Disposal Guide