Safe needle disposal needed in Paradise, says AIDS committee

The executive director of the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador says Paradise should consider using steel boxes called "sharp kiosks" so intravenous drug users can safely dispose of used needles.

On Tuesday, Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman said the town has stepped up police patrols and is considering using video surveillance as a way of dealing with drug users who have been dumping used needles and other drug paraphernalia in residential neighbourhoods.

Gerard Yetman said installing surveillance cameras in areas frequented by drug users will simply drive them to other locations.

Kiosks effective, saysYetman

Yetman said sharp kiosks have reduced drug-related litter in other cities.

"Basically they are placed where we have reports of finding needles and put in place where we know that it would be high risk of children to come in contact with used needles."

Yetman said the steel kiosks would be emptied by city council workers or workers with groups similar to the AIDS committee of Newfoundland and Labrador.

He added that the boxes can cost up to $2,500 each, and his group has already made a presentation about them to St. John's city council.

Yetman said the AIDS committee is willing to talk to any community in the province that would like to know more about that needle disposal system.