Hypodermic needles

Dangerous waste such as hypodermic needles will be removed within one hour of being reported. Please contact us by telephone rather than email to report hypodermic needles.

What is the right way to dispose of needles and syringes?

We provide sharps boxes free of charge to domestic properties for the disposal of hypodermic needles. Please contact us in confidence. We offer free delivery, collection and disposal of sharps boxes (please allow one week for delivery of boxes).

Unfortunately we are unable to provide this service to private businesses (such as residential homes). Please find a private service through the Yellow Pages.

What is the wrong way to dispose of needles and syringes?

Needles and syringes should never be put loose into the dustbin as this presents a serious hazard to staff that collect and dispose of waste. Some people put their used needles and syringes into plastic bottles or cans. Again, this is not a good idea because needles can puncture these containers and harm staff involved in waste disposal.

Where should I keep my sharps bin?

Ideally, it should be kept near to where you regularly inject yourself. Then used needles and syringes can be put into it straightaway. Remember to keep it out of the reach of children.

What do I put in my sharps bin?

All needles, empty syringes, empty insulin cartridges and lancets. Some patients use B-D safe clip devices to remove the needle from the syringe. This does not need to be done if the needle and syringe are put straight into the sharps bin. You will no longer need a B-D safe clip so please ask your GP practice to remove this from your repeat prescription.