By Amber Parker Humans have always and will always use mind-altering substances. From opium to alcohol to tobacco to psilocybin — drugs are a part of our culture, for better and for worse. Regardless of your personal stance on drug use, we can all agree that environmental health hazards, such as discarded needles in public spaces, are undesirable. Discarded needles are biohazardous waste and must be disposed of properly, treated in a medical waste management facility, and eventually incinerated.