For a single discarded needle on a hard surface free from debris the procedure you describe is reasonable though it is common to use long-handled litter pickers.

I would be happy to use my fingers unless over-reaching or struggling to retrieve a needle in a confined/difficult space, not in direct line of sight, or in poor lighting where there is a possibility for a poor or inadequate grip and injury.

Do not be tempted to flick needles in any direction, for example to a location where it might be easier to pick up as this creates a projectile - unlikely perhaps but I dealt with a civil claim some years ago where this happened as a cleaner flicked a dropped needle from beneath a row of supermarket trolleys as specified in the company SOP but was stuck by the flying needle and went straight to a claim!

Injury is also likely if the needle is not on a clean hard surface, from other sharps lying beneath. Take care in soft soil, sand or snow where sharps injury from partially buried sharps in a significant problem.

Glove use is important. Thin-walled latex or nitrile gloves offer no protection against sharps injury but can protect against contamination with blood and/or drug residues. Though these are unlikely, they are best prevented and should be mandatory for those with broken or damaged skin. Though BBV transmission cannot occur through intact skin, transmission is possible though pre-existing cuts etc, and though skin broken or damaged by eczema, psoriasis or severe dermatitis etc.

Reinforced puncture and cut-resistant gloves offer real protection but are not perfect. They are very expensive and massively reduce dexterity. Moreover, they will become contaminated and you will have the problem of what to do with them - carrying them by hand after use transfers contaminants from their external surfaces to the hands you are trying to protect!

Do not attempt to remove a needle from its syringe body. Your sharps bin must be large enough to hold complete device which should be collected and placed into the bin in one piece. This often makes it easier to handle as you hold the syringe body, not the needle.

Your sharps containers must comply with BS7320:1990. Make certain that you dispose the sharps containers appropriately, as EWC 18 01 03, by licensed high temperature incineration. Keep the sharps bin closed, and seal when filled for final disposal.

Put the gloves in the yellow bag for disposal. Do not put the sharps bin in the bag.

As always, the key step is a multi-agency approach to sharps management that can reduce or eliminate the problem of discarded drug litter.

Feel free to contact me if you need to discuss this in greater detail

keep fingers/hands away from the hazard - long handled litter pickers are good and we should be taking our time when handling such kit