Needle and Syringe Program: Syringe Vending Machines

Syringe Vending Machines (SVMs) are self-contained units that dispense injecting equipment for a small fee. In the ACT, SVMs contain four packs only (sterile needles, syringes, swabs, water, spoons and cotton wool within a safe disposal container) at a cost of $2 per pack. SVMs operate after Needle and Syringe Program services hours or provide 24-hour access to injecting equipment.

Operating hours

clock
No main hours, please contact the service for more information
24 hours a day

Wait time

Contact the service for more information

After hours support

Yes

Description

SVMs are located at the following health centres across the ACT:

Belconnen Health Centre

Swanson St & Belconnen Way, Belconnen ACT 2617

Ph: (02) 6207 9977

Civic Health Centre

1 Moore St, Canberra City ACT 2600

Ph: (02) 6207 9977

Phillip Health Centre

Cnr Corrina & Keltie St, Woden ACT 2606

Ph: (02) 6207 9977

Gungahlin Health Centre

43 Hibberson St, Gungahlin ACT 2912

Ph: (02) 6255 0888

Tuggeranong Health Centre

Ankettel St, Tuggeranong ACT 2900

Ph: (02) 6207 9977

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service

63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah ACT 2604

Ph: (02) 6284 6222

Please note Syringe Vending Machines may be out of order from time to time. Directions will do its utmost to ensure vending machines are repaired as quickly as possible. For any additional information on this service please call (02) 6132 4900.

Age range eligibility

Under 18
18-25 year old
26 +

Other exclusions

N/A

Treatment type

Needle and syringe program

Harm reduction initiatives

Provide sterile injecting equipment

Treatment duration

N/A

Phones permitted

N/A

Smoking permitted

N/A

Fees

Yes fee/s applicable, contact service for more information

Additional program description

Needle and Syringe – Collection and Disposal

Collection

If you find a needle or syringe (also called a sharp) in a public place or on your private property, do NOT attempt to move it yourself. Do not touch it and, if possible, stand guard, or mark the area with a hazard sign, particularly if there are children around. Immediately call Access Canberra Contact Centre on 13 22 81 (pressing #1) to provide accurate information on the location of the item. A City Ranger from ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services will come and pick it up as soon as possible.

Disposal

Transport Canberra and City Services provide sharps disposal containers in all public toilets in urban open space. Sharps containers containing used syringes can be dropped off at the following locations:

Via primary Needle and Syringe Programs

City Health Centre outside the ground floor entrance, to the right of the main door – Corner of Alinga and Moore Streets, Canberra City. Phone: (02) 6143 5800

Phillip Health Centre at the back of the building, opposite Lovett (formerly MLC) Tower – Corner of Keltie and Corinna Streets, Woden. Phone: (02) 6132 4900

Via Emergency Disposal (domestic only) through recycling and waste facilities

City Health Centre– Cnr Alinga and Moore Streets, Canberra City

Phillip Health Centre– Cnr Keltie and Corinna Streets, Woden

Mitchell recycling drop-off centre – Baillieu Court, Mitchell

Belconnen recycling drop-off centre – Jolly Street, Belconnen

Phillip recycling drop-off centre – Botany Court, Phillip

Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre – Mugga Lane, Symonston

Mitchell Resource Management Centre – Flemington Road, Mitchell

Click here for further information relating to the collection and disposal of needle and syringes in the ACT.

Source: Access Canberra, 2017, Needle and syringe collection and disposal, ACT Government

crisis icon

Are you in crisis?

In an Emergency call 000. Additional crisis supports are available.

Learn more
phone icon

Hotline

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline

1800 250 015

Learn more
interstate icon

Are you from interstate?

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline automatically directs you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your State or Territory

Learn more

Copyright ATODA © 2025. All Rights Reserved. Website by OSKY