Needles, syringes found on the beach in Coney Island
On Saturday, News 12 captured additional needles nearby and multiple orange needle caps, raising concerns that additional exposed needles may still be hidden in the sand.
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Coney Island residents are sounding the alarm after discovering multiple needles and syringes scattered along a popular stretch of beach this week. Residents reached out to News 12 earlier with photos they discovered while walking their dogs.
On Saturday, News 12 captured additional needles nearby and multiple orange needle caps, raising concerns that additional exposed needles may still be hidden in the sand.
Residents say trash on the beach is nothing new. They know that debris can be left behind by visitors or washed ashore, but the presence of needles has escalated their frustration and fear.
“It’s crazy. People are walking, kids, dogs, pets — I’ve never seen anything like this. They have to do something,” one resident said.
News 12 has reached out to NYC Parks and the New York City’s Health Department to alert them to the hazard and to ask how frequently this section of the beach is cleaned.
In response, NYC Parks told News 12 that staff members are trained to remove needles, and that anyone who finds one should file a 311 complaint. They did not specify a cleaning schedule, or when these specific needles identified to their team would be cleaned.
A NYC Health Department spokesperson told News12 that “New Yorkers may see an uptick in public drug use and syringe litter as the weather gets warmer. In response, the NYC Health Department has increased communication and planning with syringe service providers. We work closely with community-based organizations, including three in Brooklyn, that pick-up syringe litter. In addition, they provide vital outreach to decrease public drug use and connect New Yorkers to care. All New Yorkers deserve vibrant public spaces and access to the care they need. Anyone who sees syringe litter may report it to 311.”
As of 5 p.m. Saturday, the needle captured by our cameras was still on the beach.
