Phila:Health:ehshazard

Health Hazards
Frequently Asked Questions

A member of my family is a diabetic. I have a large supply of used syringes. How can I safely dispose of these needles?

Several options exist for the safe disposal of these items. While the PA Medical Waste Regulations do not apply to individuals, City residents are expected to follow the established disposal procedures for syringes. Residents should either store used syringes in a hard plastic soda bottle or coffee can. Once either container is full, it should be wrapped tightly in newspaper, tied, and then placed in the residential trash container.

Another option: dispensing physicians could agree to dispose of their diabetic patients' old syringes in the approved containers that physicians are required to have. Of course, ask your doctor first if this is a possibility.

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My child just informed me that someone dumped a bunch of used needles near my property. Who can I call to get rid of these needles?

The Office of Environmental Engineering maintains a daily service to pick up syringes and other medical waste that is left or dumped on City streets. Calls for this service should be directed to 215-685-7342.

I am building a new home and have found out that City sewers are not available. What do I do now?

You can request an evaluation and test to determine if your property can handle an on-lot sewage disposal system. Call the Office of Environmental Engineering at 215-685-7342 to request an application for the evaluation and testing process. The fee for this process is $500, payable by check when you submit your application to the Environmental Engineering Office.

My neighbor has a broken sewage line in the front of his home. It's draining through my basement wall. I know that this is a health hazard. What can you do about this?

First, the Department of Licenses and Inspection must evaluate this condition since it is the department responsible for enforcing the Philadelphia Plumbing Code. In rare situations, the Philadelphia Health Department may be involved in sewage malfunctions. This occurs only when an individual sewage disposal system exists within the immediate property of the occupant. No City sewers exist.

nose Someone left three bags (buckets) of feces on my street corner. It smells real bad. Can someone come and pick it up?

An emergency contract exists for this service, however the contractor can only remove sewage contained in hard containers as plastic bags will foul his equipment. Call the Environmental Engineering Office at 215-685-7342 to arrange for service.

Injury Prevention (Child Safety Seats - Home Inspections)
Insects
New Business/New Home
Pets and Pests