New Ordinance To Keep Discarded Syringes Off Manchester Streets

MANCHESTER, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais has gained approval for an ordinance requiring oversight of Syringe Service Programs in Manchester to reduce discarded syringes, Ruais's office announced Wednesday.

The Board of Aldermen voted 12-2 in favor, making Manchester the first city in New Hampshire to establish such guidelines since Syringe Service Programs — which facilitate safe disposal of used syringes to prevent the spread of disease — were authorized in 2017.

"I firmly believe we cannot allow for the unregulated flow of syringes into our city because this has had a negative impact on the quality of life in Manchester," Ruais said. "Our parks and our streets must be safe, clean, and accessible for all residents, businesses, and visitors."

Ruais acknowledged ongoing efforts to address public health concerns including regular discarded syringe pickups by city departments and daily monitoring and collection by downtown street cleaning teams.

There has also been a decline in reported overdose rates, including a 25 percent decrease in overdose fatalities this year over last, according to Ruais.

"This ordinance is long overdue, and while it will not solve the problem overnight, it represents an important first step toward increasing our quality of life while maintaining our commitment to public health," he said. "We are not where we want to be, but we are making progress."

Key points of the new ordinance include:

• Mandatory syringe exchanges to reduce waste.
• Syringe Service Programs registration with the city for transparency and data sharing.
• Restrictions on SSP locations, prohibiting operation near parks and schools.
• Required distribution of educational materials on disease prevention and treatment.
• Ban on safe injection sites.
• Needle disposal containers must be hidden from public view.
• Criteria for fixed Syringe Service Programs locations.
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 for violations.