The ongoing issue of syringes and needles littering Bronx parks has been a major concern for residents and officials alike. In response, New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz (15th district) is pushing for stricter regulations within the city’s Syringe Exchange Program to prevent needle pollution near parks and schools.
Councilmember Pushes for Stricter Needle Exchange Regulations
Councilmember Feliz argues that the current program is not functioning as a true exchange system.
“These programs are supposed to be needle exchange programs. But they’re not exchanging. They’re simply distributing. And as a result, what we’re seeing is needles inundating every part of our community,” he said.
Proposed Bills to Address Syringe Litter
To combat the issue, Feliz has proposed two bills aimed at reforming how syringes are distributed in the city:
- Bill 1: Requires mobile needle providers to allocate resources for picking up discarded syringes that are not returned.
- Bill 2: Prohibits needle exchange providers from distributing syringes within 450 feet of children’s playgrounds or public schools.
The first hearing for these bills is scheduled for February 28.
Community Voices: “Our Community is Not a Hazardous Waste Site”
Long-time South Bronx resident Carmen Santiago has witnessed firsthand the impact of needle litter in parks like St. Mary’s Park.
“Our park or our community is not a medical waste, hazardous waste, disposable community. Needles belong in a doctor’s office under the guidance of professionals,” Santiago said.
She believes the city should focus more on inpatient addiction treatment programs instead of simply providing needles.
City Health Department’s Response & Syringe Cleanup Efforts
In 2024, the NYC Health Department reported:
- Collecting over 187,000 discarded syringes.
- Providing syringe disposal education more than 6,800 times.
However, Feliz and residents argue this isn’t enough to address the root of the issue.
“Providing needles in front of places where children are generally, yeah, that’s irresponsible. There’s no other way to put it,” Feliz stated.
Health Department’s Stance on Pending Legislation
When asked about Feliz’s proposed bills, the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene declined to comment, stating that the department takes syringe litter very seriously but could not discuss pending legislation.
Next Steps & Public Concerns
- Hearing Date: February 28, 2025.
- Public Concern: Many residents and officials are calling for stronger regulations and more addiction treatment programs instead of simply handing out needles.
