A proposed trial for a waste needle bin in Belfast's city center aims to address escalating issues with discarded needles as drug use rises. Councillor Brian Smyth highlighted the city council's monthly collection of 600 to 700 needles, signaling a pressing need for effective disposal solutions. The metal bin, to be installed at the council-owned car park, is a response to safety risks posed to the public and cleansing teams. Despite concerns from the Department for Communities about image, Smyth argues that visible needles pose a more significant risk to Belfast's public image than the bins themselves.
Brian Smyth emphasized that the proposed waste needle bin is a crucial step in addressing rising drug issues in Belfast city, not a complete solution.
The council's cleansing team has discovered needles in regular rubbish bins, posing risks to public safety and highlighting the urgent necessity for secure disposal methods.
The Department for Communities appreciates the severity of drug-related problems in the city but expressed concerns about the stigma associated with needle bins.
Smyth urged that if discarded needles continue to appear in visible areas, it could damage Belfast's public image more than installing bins.
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