Needle-stick injuries can cause considerable anxiety because of the fear of contracting blood-borne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C as well as other diseases such as tetanus. The risk of acquiring a disease from a needle-stick injury in a community setting is very low, however where needles/syringes are found within school premises, it is important that they are disposed of promptly and safely to ensure staff, students and others are not harmed. It is also important to know that unsafe disposal of needles and syringes are illegal. Regulations require that needles and syringes be disposed of in a rigid-walled, puncture-resistant, sealed container.