Report a Discarded Needle

If you find a discarded needle or syringe, do not pick it up. Instead, contact the Syringe Collection Program during program hours. 

Syringe Collection Program Hours:

  • Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

There are two ways to report a discarded syringe found in the community during Syringe Collection Program hours.

1. Call the Syringe Collection Program directly at 978-674-1049

  • Leave the address and specific location of where the needle(s) was found, the number of needles found, and any additional information that is relevant to locating the needle(s).
  • While it may be helpful to leave a return phone number in case more information is needed to locate the discarded syringe(s), the service is confidential and anonymous.

 2. Electronically submit a “Report a Hyperemic Syringe” report

  • Log-in to Civic Plus via the City of Lowell’s website
  • Proceed back to the City website’s home page
  • Click on the icon marked “Report a Concern”. A new page called “Citizen Request Tracker” will pop up
  • Go to “Development Services” 
  • Click on a “Report a Hyperemic Needle”. Fill out the form with as much information as possible. 
  • Click “Submit” to complete the request. If not all of the appropriate fields are filled out, a red asterisk will identify which field(s) was not completed. 

For discarded needle pick-up requests outside of program hours, residents may continue to call the Lowell Police Department non-emergency line at 978-937-3200. The Lowell Police Department will report the request to Trinity Emergency Medical Services (EMS); residents should not call Trinity EMS directly to report a discarded needle. 

  1. Andres Gonzalez

    Syringe Collection Program Coordinator

  2. Substance Abuse and Prevention Division

    Physical Address
    107 Merrimack St, 4th Flr
    Lowell, MA 01852


  3. Hours

    Monday
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Tuesday
    8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    Wednesday
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Thursday
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Friday
    8:00 AM - 12:00 PM