How To Properly Dispose Of Sharps

Once sharps have been used, they must immediately be disposed of in a yellow sharps bin. Your sharps bin can be used to dispose of a number of medical supplies, such as syringes, needles, clippers and lancets, and should be kept in a safe place at eye level. 

Sharps bins are made of a hard, puncture-proof plastic so that sharps waste can be safely contained without posing a risk of injury. When using a sharps bin, it’s important to only fill the bin to where it says “do not fill above this line”.  When your sharp disposal bin is full, the box may be collected for disposal by your local council. Arrangements for disposing of full sharps bins vary depending where you live.

Sharps Disposal And The Law

The proper disposal of sharps is a legal obligation and failure to comply with regulations makes businesses vulnerable to prosecution, fines and even closure. 

In 2010, a hospital trust was fined over £20,000 after being found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act in relation to a sharps incident. Personal injury cases may be taken under civil law, causing time and expenditure to go towards resolution and compensation.

Sharps bins are legally required for all businesses that use sharps, and these businesses must also implement additional safety methods like employee training and trusted waste collections. Learn more about the HSE’s policies and guidelines of sharps disposal here. 

Browse our sharps handling kits for everything you need for a safe disposal:

Sharps Disposal Bin – 3.75 litre 

This 3.75 litre capacity sharps disposal bin is safe and easy to use with universally recognised markings, made from a strong and secure plastic, resistant to cuts and puncture.  This container also complies with HTM 07-01: Safe Management of Healthcare Waste, and current NHS ‘point of use’ disposal guidelines.

Sharps Needle Bin – 0.2 Litre

This smaller 0.2 litre sharps needle bin is great for pocket storage and features welded construction to ensure additional strength and safety. Ideal for the safe disposal of discarded needles, syringes and other hazardous sharps.

Bio-Hazard Sharps Disposal Kit – 5 Applications

This Biohazard sharps disposal kit is a simple and efficient method to approach biohazard control and features all the handling and protective items you need to effectively aid the removal, containment and disposal of discarded needles, syringes and other hazardous sharps. 

The Sharps clean up kit handles up to 5 incidents and contains: 5x Gloves (Pairs), 5x Forceps, 5x Clinical Waste Bags (Self Seal), 1x Sharps Bin / Container 0.6L, 5x Cleansing Wipes. 

Bio-Hazard Sharps Disposal Kit – 1 Application

Featuring all the required products to handle a single incident, this biohazard disposal kit contains handling and protective items to effectively aid the removal, containment and disposal of discarded needles, syringes and other hazardous sharps.

This pack contains; 1x Gloves (Pairs), 1x Apron, 1x Forceps, 1x Clinical Waste Bags (Self Seal), 1x Sharps Bin / Container 0.25L, 1x Cleansing Wipes, 1x Disinfectant Spray (30ml).

Shop our complete range of disinfectant, bio-hazard and sharps disposal & cleaning products here. 

To find out more, visit our website or contact us at 01686 611 377

Written by Kate Jones, for Morsafe Supplies.