Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
They pick up the used needles and other drug paraphernalia that others leave behind, but now the organization We Heart Seattle faces a state investigation for the way this cleanup work is being done.
Andrea Suarez, the group's CEO and founder, said she and her volunteers are protecting the public from coming across this hazardous waste left on city streets.
However, a complaint filed with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is asking whether the people doing that cleanup are being put at risk.
The complaint alleges that volunteers assisting the privately funded outreach group are improperly handling and collecting hypodermic needles and fentanyl-related paraphernalia during homeless camp cleanup efforts.
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For more on the story: komonews.com/news/local/state-seeks-safety-records-from-we-heart-seattle-in-needle-and-drug-cleanup-investigation-trash-hazardous-toxic-waste-homeless-tent-camping-encampment-neighborhood-community-public-park-playground-safety-lawsuit
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They pick up the used needles and other drug paraphernalia that others leave behind, but now the organization We Heart Seattle faces a state investigation for the way this cleanup work is being done.
Andrea Suarez, the group's CEO and founder, said she and her volunteers are protecting the public from coming across this hazardous waste left on city streets.
However, a complaint filed with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is asking whether the people doing that cleanup are being put at risk.
The complaint alleges that volunteers assisting the privately funded outreach group are improperly handling and collecting hypodermic needles and fentanyl-related paraphernalia during homeless camp cleanup efforts.
--------------------------------------------------
For more on the story: komonews.com/news/local/state-seeks-safety-records-from-we-heart-seattle-in-needle-and-drug-cleanup-investigation-trash-hazardous-toxic-waste-homeless-tent-camping-encampment-neighborhood-community-public-park-playground-safety-lawsuit
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
facebook.com/KOMONews
twitter.com/komonews
instagram.com/komo4
tiktok.com/@komo4seattle
Download our iOS App: itunes.apple.com/us/app/komo-news-mobile/id433508161?mt=8
Download our Android App: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newssynergy.komo&hl=en
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: tips@komonews.com
Call the Newsroom: 206.404.4000
KOMO News (ABC 4) provides the latest breaking news, sports, weather, traffic, and local event coverage in the Seattle and Western Washington/Puget Sound area, including Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Kent, Tacoma, Bellingham, Yakima, and surrounding communities.
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information, contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com
#komo #komonews #komo4 #komo4news #seattle #seattlenews #washingtonnews
