Increasing urban density has perpetuated the issues involving illicit drug use. Needle Exchange programs found in major cities around the world have return rates as low as 40%, leaving up to 60% of distributed needles unaccounted for. One popular method of disposal for users is through the holes found in manhole lids. In the downtown eastside of Vancouver an average of 60-100 needles per month can be found inside a manhole. It is estimated that 15%+ of urban manholes have been identified to contain needles.

Used needles being dropped into manholes have become a growing safety problem for utility companies. Employees entering these dark, confined workspaces must remove the needles themselves before cleaning companies will clean the workspace. Should a worker become stuck with a used needle, they must begin immediately (within 2 hours) a severe medical regimen, which lasts for six months and involves a program that leaves them ill and uncomfortable for most of the duration. Currently companies are encountering employees and cleaners refusing to enter manholes with these hazards. A corporate recognition of the economic impact and loss of resources has come to the forefront.

MUG Solutions has developed and patented new products, which provide a deterrent against syringe and other biohazard entry into manhole systems. The development cycle was expedited when TELUS expressed interest in a field trial. By mid-2007 it was clear through the field trial that the product was effective in its goal of deterring biohazards such as needles from entering the manholes. Full development using a reputable Seattle engineering firm (Product Creation Studio), and multiple patent applications (through DWC Law Firm in Seattle) resulted in products to market in 2008.

Follow up inspections of the MUG Solutions’ field trial manholes have found them to be completely needle free as well as perfectly clean two years later.

We provide the ONLY solution that permanently stops people from depositing biohazard contaminants through manhole covers.