Charlottetown Councillor Eddie Rice was surprised to hear about the extent of the problem of used needles around the downtown. (CBC)

A number of businesses in downtown Charlottetown have had to install sharps disposal containers in their public washrooms to deal with discarded needles, says the city councillor representing the area.

The Tim Horton's on Kent Street is just one of number of businesses that has installed these disposal units to reduce the risk for staff and patrons, said Coun. Eddie Rice. Rice said he was flabbergasted to learn of the extent of the problem.

Business owners should be commended for taking steps to protect the public, said Rice, and it is now time to see how the city can help out.

"First of all, I want to make sure councillors are aware of it, and I'm sure there'll be some as surprised as I am," he said.

"I'm going to be speaking with the mayor about getting, perhaps, a group of people together with the businesses that have them in their establishments, and what we can do to help prevent further damage being done from used needles kicking around the streets."

There's a much bigger, underlying problem of addiction and drug use, said Rice, and police and public health officials should be involved in addressing that issue.