40,000 needles collected, destroyed through new buy-back program

BOSTON — It’s one of the opioid crisis’ most dangerous side effects on communities across Boston – discarded needles in every corner of the city.

A new needle buy-back program aims to address the issue using a different strategy.

The three-month pilot program, launched in late December, has already resulted in more than 40,000 needles being collected and destroyed.

Grass-roots company Addiction Disposal Resources LLC is offering 20 cents a syringe for a maximum payout per day of $10.

The company collects needles every morning from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. outside the Engagement Center on Atkinson Street.

An incinerator is used to destroy all of the needles turned in on the spot.

“It’s a small financial incentive for folks to return needles, but it’s not enough money for folks to take advantage of the situation,” said South End resident Jonathan Alves.

Alves, who’s been fighting for changes in the community for years, believes the buy-back program is a good “short term” option to address the problem.

“I’m optimistic that people want to be part of the solution, but I do believe there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Alves.

The company running the buy-back program is currently fully funded by private donations and aspires to partner with the city.

Boston 25 News reached out to the city to see if that would be a possibility. However, a city spokesperson did not comment directly on the topic.

“I love the idea of getting needles off the street, but focusing only on the needles ignores the bigger picture,” said South End resident Andy Brand.

Brand has been tracking the number of discarded needles reported to 311 in recent years.

He said there was a 40 percent increase in used syringes reported in the South End from 2019 to 2020.

“Needles are a real danger to the neighborhood,” said Brand. “This is one tiny step in a much bigger thing that needs to happen.”

On average, the city of Boston collects more than 14,000 needles every week. That includes syringes discarded in parks, needles dropped off at kiosks and sharps returned to the city’s needle exchange program, called AHOPE.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV