Householders have been warned to think before they put out their rubbish after a binman was cut by a needle.
People are being asked to be careful what they put in their bin bags in the Worthing area following the incident in the town.
A refuse worker employed by the borough council was cut on the leg by a hypodermic needle.
David Bowen, principal health officer at Worthing Borough Council, said: "For safety reasons it is essential that people do not throw dangerous or sharp items in into their bins.
"A hypodermic needle is especially dangerous and it was a thoughtless act that could have had serious consequences.
"Apart from the actual injury caused by the needle there is the risk of transmission of blood-borne disease to the injured person."
He told householders they can ring the council on 01903 239999 to arrange for collection of items including syringes at no cost.
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