Four Caradon workers received hospital treatment for puncture wounds from syringes left in domestic waste – in just one month.

The refuse operatives required treatment in July after a number of needles were discarded in a communal tip area in Saltash.

Along with other incidents, including a refuse lorry nearly catching alight and a worker getting an eye infection from dog mess, pleas are being made to Caradon residents to think about what they put in their bins.

Caradon District Council is reminding residents to get sharps boxes from doctors' surgeries so needles can be disposed of properly or to make special arrangements for collections of clinical waste from their homes.

'People need to consider the people collecting their rubbish because they have no idea of the contents and need to be safeguarded from dangerous items,' said Jerry Masters, head of operations and technical services at Caradon District Council.

Since the beginning of the year several refuse collectors have been cut by broken glass and one man had to have a tetanus injection after a dog bit him on the leg.

'Residents put broken glass in their bins unwrapped or they don't recycle so put bottles in a bag that then gets broken,' added Mr Masters.

Warning

'Although the refuse collectors have ballistic material in their trousers, if it is indicated what the rubbish is they can collect it safely and will appreciate the warning.'

Dog-owners are being asked not to dispose of dog mess in their domestic rubbish, having had an incident recently where a member of staff ended up with an eye infection after dog waste, mixed with domestic refuse, went through a compacter and sprayed in his face.

Caradon is advising people to put any glass or sharp items in newspaper next to their bins and not to put refuse in cardboard boxes because they collapse in damp weather.

The council is happy to arrange special collections to take away paints, oil and needles, which there will be no charge for, and is asking residents to think of the people collecting their rubbish.