Drug litter
A wide range of items can be associated with drug use, with the highest concern being discarded needles (also known as sharps).
Drug litter also includes the equipment used for taking drugs. This may include:
- Needles or syringes
- Tin foil
- Cling film
- Baby wipes
- Bottles that have been modified to make bongs (used to inhale illegal substances)
- Gas canisters
The Council will collect and safely dispose of drug related litter found on public and council-owned land.
Reporting drug-related litter
Please report any drug related litter and activity to us.
This and helps us identify hotspot locations which we can monitor and report to the police.
If you see of any of the above items please telephone the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline immediately on 01473 432000 with details of and describe the litter you are reporting and the location of the items
You can also report it online to us. Please note the button opens in a new window.
Report a street cleaning problem
When needles and/or drug litter are found on private land it is the responsibility of the occupier or owner to remove and dispose of them safely in accordance with the above Environmental Protection Act. Anyone not wishing to handle discarded needles themselves should employ the services of a professional cleansing company that has facility to collect such items.
Ipswich Borough Council can remove hypodermic needles and syringes from private land as long as we have permission from the landowner, and they agree to pay any costs incurred. We would ask that any ‘find’ is still reported.
Please do not attempt to dispose of needles or drug litter yourself as it could be dangerous.
If you do receive a needle stick injury, please refer to the NHS website for advice.
Drug-related activity
Please report any drug-related activity to the police.
You can report crime that has happened directly to the police online through the Suffolk Police website or anonymously through the Crimestoppers website.
If you would prefer to speak to someone, please dial 101 for crimes that have happened.
Always dial 999 when life is threatened or people are injured, or if there is a crime in progress, someone is in danger or an immediate police response is necessary.