Cleaning up after you've injected

It's important to clean up after injecting to prevent infections and keep yourself and others safe.

How to clean up after you've injected

Step 1

When you have finished injecting your hit, dispose of your needle in a cin bin (sometimes called an incineration bin or sharps bin).

If you don’t have one, you can use something like a strong plastic bottle with a lid.

Never reuse a needle or syringe unless it’s an emergency.

It’s always best to make sure you have enough new equipment from your local needle and syringe service.

But if you do need to reuse a needle or syringe, make sure that you clean it carefully with water and bleach before and after you use.

Step 2

Throw away any used swabs, filters or opened water ampoules, as these can all contain bacteria.

Step 3

If you used a disposable surface to prepare your hit, throw this away too.

Step 4

Wipe down the surface of your injecting space using soapy water if possible. If you don’t have soap and water, you can use alcohol swabs or hand sanitiser.

Step 5

Wash your hands.

If you suspect someone has had a drug overdose ...

  1. Make sure it’s safe for you to approach the person

  2. Try to wake them by talking loudly to them and gently shaking their shoulders

  3. Check if they're breathing by looking to see if their chest is moving

  4. Put them in the recovery position 

  5. Call 999 for an ambulance, telling emergency services what you know

Naloxone

If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and fentanyl.

Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids, so use naloxone if you have it. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them.

How to use a naloxone injection 

How to use a naloxone nasal spray 

Looking for support?

We can help you cut down, make safer choices or stop using altogether.

Search for your local service and get in touch today.

Or chat to us online seven days a week

1-2 miles - Considered within walking distance threshold, however, cycling, public transport, or a personal vehicle is advised if no safe walking routes.
10-15 miles - Generally between a minimum of 30 mins to 1 hour travel time expected via public transport or personal vehicle. This may depend on form of transport, time of day and/or road layouts.
20-25 miles - Generally between a minimum of 50 minutes to 1.5 hours travel time expected via public transport or personal vehicle. This may depend on form of transport, time of travel and/or road layouts