Needles, syringes and drug equipment
Contents
- Overview
- Report an issue with a needle or syringe
- Report an issue with drug equipment
Overview
We are responsible for removing needles, syringes or drug equipment from public land in Gateshead.
We class needle or syringe removal as an emergency and you should contact us immediately on 0191 433 7000.
Do not
- do not touch the needle or syringe
- do not ignore the issue or leave it unreported
You should instead
- avoid the needle or syringe
- contact us immediately, preferably by phone
- provide as much detail as you can about the location
- leave contact details in case we can't find the issue
If you have been injured by a needle or syringe, you should contact the NHS 111 service or go to the nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.
Report an issue with a needle or syringe
If you have found a needle or syringe, you should avoid touching it and report it to us immediately.
We aim to pick up syringes within one working day, but we usually respond as soon as we get the report.
If you have found a needle or syringe at a house or flat managed by Gateshead Council, contact the nearest housing office.
If you have found a needle or syringe, you should call us immediately on the relevant number below.
| Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5.30pm and Friday, 8am to 5pm (office hours) | 0191 433 7000 |
| Outside office hours (evenings and weekends) | 0191 477 0844 |
Alternatively, you can report an issue with a needle or syringe online.
Report an issue with drug equipment
If you have found drug equipment, such as bongs, pipes or other paraphernalia, you should report it to us.
If there are no needles or syringes, our team will collect the drug equipment as soon as operationally possible.
To report drug equipment, other than syringes, you can call us on 0191 433 7000.