Sharps bins may be used by patients for many different reasons, dependant on the treatment they are receiving.
Sharps bins are available on prescription (FP10 prescription form) from a patients GP or Pharmacist.
A patient can use their sharps bin to dispose of medical supplies such as:
- needles
- syringes
- lancets used with finger-pricking devices
- clippers
After using needles or similar medical supplies, they should be put into the sharps bin immediately. Patients must not try to take them out again.
Boxes must only be filled to the manufacturers' line and should be disposed of every three months, even if they are not full. Sharps containers should be signed & dated when assembled & when closed.
How can patients’ dispose of their sharps bin?
- Please contact your local council to organise a collection, the website for East Herts below provides further information.
www.eastherts.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/clinical-waste
Further details for patients is available on NHS UK: www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-should-i-dispose-of-used-needles-or-sharps
Please note: We cannot accept sharps bins at our reception desk, patients will need to organise their own collection.
On no occasion should a sharps bin be placed in a waste bin.