Maine City Wants to Combat Needles in The Street With Syringe Buy Back Program

Despite your opinion on the overwhelming opioid epidemic that is plaguing the Maine and the rest of the United States, I think we can all agree that more has to be done. The question of course is always, what does that 'more' consist of?

Well, one Maine city that has seen an incredible influx in opioid related deaths and overdoses is Portland. And now, the city's committee which has been tasked with how to best spend Portland's opioid settlement money is tossing around some pretty novel ideas.

According to WGME 13, in addition to wanting to open another methadone clinic, the committee has also floated the idea of buying back used syringes. Currently, many residents and city officials alike have expressed concern over the number of discarded needles being found on sidewalks and in parks.

Despite the fact that the city of Portland has more than 50 public access sharps containers, the city still grapples with hundreds of needles tossed to the curb every month, WGME reported.

Part of the committees proposal is to buy back used needles for .05 cents a piece. A move that officials hope will quell the number of needles discarded on the ground in public areas like streets and parks.

Portland Mayor, Mark Dion, said in part during the meeting with committee,

"I'm still wrestling, Bridget, with the fact that we put out 785,000 needles. When I talk to people, they're in awe. And the fact that we can provide them ample opportunities to succeed in an unfortunate demise troubles me."

Do you think this is a good idea and will help to reduce the number of used needles around Portland? Let us know your thoughts by sending us a message inside our free app!

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