If you use needles, syringes, or other sharps at home, it’s important to dispose of them safely to protect yourself, your family, and the wider community. Please do not place sharps in household waste or recycling bins.
What Are Sharps?
Sharps – these are items that can cut or puncture skin.
Syringes on their own are not considered to be sharps.
Sharps include:
- Needles
- Syringes with needles attached
- Lancets
- Cannulas
- Glucose monitoring sensors including (e.g. FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom and similar devices).
How to Dispose of Sharps Safely
- Always use a proper sharps container provided by your healthcare professional or pharmacy.
- When your container is full, follow your local council’s guidance for collection or disposal.
Why Safe Sharps Disposal Matters
Each year many people are seriously injured from contact with discarded needles in household waste. Sharps (e.g., needles, syringes, lancets) are classified as clinical waste because once used, they can carry blood or other bodily fluids and pose a risk of injury and infection.
Improper disposal can lead to needlestick injuries, which can transmit infections.
Following safe sharps disposal protects you, your household, and the wider community.
Sharps bins are available on prescription, or you can buy them from a pharmacy.
How to safely dispose
Once the sharps bin is in use and sharps have been placed inside, the main lid must not be removed or dismantled. Only the designated temporary opening flap should be used for adding sharps.
Always use a proper sharps bin: never use drinks cans, bottles, household waste bins, or any other container. Needles and lancets are single-use only – do not recycle or reuse.
Position the sharps bin safely: place it securely on a flat work surface. No part of the bin should overhang the surface. Ensure it cannot be easily knocked over.
Do not overfill fill: only up to the “Do not fill above this line” marker (usually ¾ full). Never force sharps into a full bin or push down with your hands.
Seal and label when full: close the bin securely and apply label. Store the sealed bin safely while awaiting collection.
Handle needles correctly: do not recap, bend, or break used needles. Do not dismantle or separate single-use syringes before disposal. For pre-filles or reusable pen devices – remove the needle in the usual way and place the needle only in the sharps bin.
Keep out of reach: always keep sharps bin away from children and pets.
If You Find Sharps in Public
If you come across discarded needles or sharps in a public area, do not touch them.
Report them to your local council so that trained staff can remove them safely.
If You’re Injured by a Sharp (Needlestick)
If the needle was your own (used for your injection): wash the area, monitor for signs of infection, and seek advice if concerned.
If the needle belonged to someone else or was found in the community: wash the area, do not scrub, and seek medical help immediately (GP, NHS 111, or A&E). Tell them what happened and, if possible, bring the needle or details of the source.
Sharps Collection Services by Council
Below is a summary of arrangements across Mid and South Essex. Click your council name for more details:
Important Notes
- Never leave sharps in household waste or public bins.
Need Help?
For more information, please visit Waste Management.gov.uk