SMALL STEPS can lead to major strides.

That is what the Bellaire Citizens Action Group is hoping for with its initiative to remove used hypodermic needles from the All-American Town’s landscape. The citizens’ group installed three yellow collection boxes at various parts of the village last week.

The project was launched after the group came upon an ever-growing amount of used needles during its regular clean-up rounds. It was becoming a problem of major proportions, posing a health risk. Should such a needle accidentally be picked up by an unsuspecting individual and prick the skin, much harm may ensue.

The initial collection from the boxes yielded three used hypodermic needles. It may not seem like much, but it is a starting point.

Joyce Liberati is one of the action group’s leaders. She is encouraged by the three-needle dropoff, noting that it is three fewer needles that could have been tossed onto a roadway, sidewalk or other public space.

Liberati’s enthusiasm is justified. A project of this nature needs time to take root and grow.

The Bellaire Citizens Action Group is not condoning use of the drugs. Rather, it is bidding to enhance safety throughout the village.

The box locations are at the Franklin Street dead end; the Washington Street pullover area in West Bellaire; and the turnaround area near the former bowling alley lot in South Bellaire. They are not under police surveillance, posing no legal risk to those looking to safely dispose of needles.

It remains to be seen on how successful the yellow box campaign will become. But the Bellaire Citizens Action Group should be commended on taking a proactive approach to a worrisome problem.