There is a growing debate in Victoria about what to do with discarded drug paraphernalia on sidewalks and in alleys.

Earlier this month, Victoria's advisory social planning committee recommended that old mail boxes be converted into needle drop boxes.

Discarded needles have become a regular sight in downtown Victoria.
(CBC)

But city council didn't agree. Instead, city staff were directed to come up with more comprehensive ways to deal with drug addicts and their discarded needles, including better cleanup, or even a safe injection site.

City councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe argues there is still a need for needle disposal boxes in strategic spots of the capital city.

"Will everybody use them? No. So I feel happy if one person uses them? Yes, because it's a safety issue.

Regular drug user Lorne Nelson has set up his own drop box.
(CBC)

But the city councillor most strongly opposed to the boxes say they haven't worked in other cities where they've been tried.

"Baltimore did it for 15 months and collected 2,900 needles," said councillor Dean Fortin. 
"That's 200 a month, and less than regular daily use for one cocaine addict."

But Thornton-Joe says that's not the real reason why there is opposition to drop boxes.

"I think people envision these large bright boxes, clearly marked with 'Needles Drop Boxes' which of course people don't want to see because they don't want to know about it."

Addict Lorne Nelson says he knows all about it, using cocaine, heroin and morphine several times a day.

He says he's on the street all the time, and even has his personal drop box.

"I saw people just throwing them away. I see them lying around the ground all the time. And I though there must be something I can do to help reduce the amount of eyesores to the rest of society."

"I think drop boxes are a great idea, and think they should have them in every single public washroom."