That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, and any other relevant City departments to develop a plan to install needle drop boxes in identified problem areas throughout the city

O- FIRST IN COUNCIL August 4, 2025 City of Cambridge VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR WILSON WHEREAS: Substance Use Disorder continues to impact cities across the country, including the City of Cambridge; and WHEREAS: Many individuals struggling with this disorder use substances through injection, leading to the improper disposal of needles; and WHEREAS: The City has received numerous complaints from residents about needles being found in playgrounds, parks, and public squares; and WHEREAS: Between July 2024 and July 2025, the Central Square Business Improvement District collected 85,000 discarded needles in Central Square alone, including an average of 6,000 needles per month from the drop box located on Green Street; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, and any other relevant City departments to develop a plan to install needle drop boxes in identified problem areas throughout the city and report back to the City Council.