The city of St. John’s says it cannot enter private property to clean up needles and other refuse, but it can make sure the sites are cleared of hazards.
Mayor Danny Breen was responding to concerns about some problem properties in the capital city.
He says the city does regular sweeps of public areas to pick up needles, and he encourages anyone who sees a discarded needle to call 311 – but when it comes to needles on private properties, the city has to take a different approach.
“We don’t go into private properties, but we will inspect them. And, if we get a complaint, we’ll get them to clean up the needles. If they don’t clean it up in a very short time, we’ll have them cleaned up, and we’ll send them the bill,” says Mayor Breen.