Boise (670 KBOI News) – Organizations like health clinics and churches would be able to set up needle exchange programs, under a bill which is headed to the House floor.

House Bill 180 cleared the Health and Welfare Committee with only one dissenting vote.

Rachele Klein with Republic Services says they support the bill, because used needles pose a threat to their employees.

“Instead of abandoning used sharps in dumpsters and recycling bins, where they may end up being handled by members of the community, or employees at a sorting facility,  transfer station or landfill, there is now another option to protect Idahoans from the threat of accidents in out local communities,” said Klein.

Representative John Vander Woude of Nampa said he didn’t have a problem with needle disposal, but an exchange program wasn’t needed for legal drug users…he voted against the bill.

Representative John Green of Post Falls said exchange programs in Seattle have helped cut down on the number of used needles that are thrown out on streets and sidewalks.