Starbucks, recognizing it’s often a safe space for the most vulnerable visitors, has installed needle-disposal boxes in some locations.
The coffee giant started adding the boxes in several U.S. markets this January after receiving requests from employees last year, a spokeswoman said. It will add them to any store where employees cite a need, she said.
"We are always working with and listening to our partners for ways we can better support them when it comes to issues like these," Starbucks said in an email, citing "scary situations" and a need to ensure that its workers "are out of harm's way.