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
Wait time
Contact the service for more informationAfter hours support
YesDescription
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 1818-25 year old
26 +
Other exclusions
N/ATreatment type
Needle and syringe programHarm reduction initiatives
Provide sterile injecting equipmentTreatment duration
N/APhones permitted
N/ASmoking permitted
N/AFees
Yes fee/s applicable, contact service for more informationAdditional 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
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