In four years, the number of needles collected by the city has increased fivefold.
In 2015, city staff collected 894 needles through its drop box program, said a Solid Waste Service report to Prince George city council.
That's a small uptick from last year, but quite a jump from 2012's 176 collected.
The needles are emptied twice a week from eight drop boxes located in "areas of concern" in the city. That started in 2007.
While Coun. Brian Skakun was upset with the rise in numbers, other councillors characterized it as a program put to good use.
"While the number going up is never good because it means people are using them, the fact that we're collecting more and more is better, because that means those aren't being left outside on the ground," said Coun. Garth Frizzell.
"It's a paradox to see those numbers rising and think that's a good thing but in the end that is and kudos on increasing collection."
"It really was a proactive response on the part of the city to create the needle drop boxes and to position them in places downtown where they might be used. And rather than needles ending up on the street they're ending up in the boxes," added Coun. Murry Krause.
"I think there's probably many ways to deal with the issue but this is just one practical response on part of the city."
Skakun was most frustrated by the number of needles handed out to users.
"In my opinion Northern Health has really dropped the ball for quite some time because they're giving out more needles than they're getting back," he said.
"Maybe part of it is harm reduction, but I don't think they should be giving out needles until the old ones come back, that's my opinion."
