Dispose of clinical and medical waste
We can provide extra support for residents with clinical and medical waste, including sharps. Our collection service is free and confidential.
Clinical waste is classed as being infectious or potentially infectious, and has to be handled, transported and disposed of separately.
All needle-based items must be inside a sharps box for collection. This includes needles, lancets, syringes, expired or used injector pens and empty insulin cartridges.
You can collect a sharps box from your health worker or pharmacist.
To request a sharps collection
When your sharps box is full and you need a collection, submit a request and we will contact you to arrange one.
Alternatively, you can request it by:
- visiting one of our One Stop Shops
- calling us on 01454 868000
What happens next
We will contact you to let you know when to put your box out for collection. For first time requests we will also agree with you where to put it out.
When we collect your full sharps box we do not deliver a replacement. You will need to get one from your health worker or local pharmacy.
To request collections of other clinical waste
Clinical waste excluding sharps needs to be put into special collection bags. Your doctor or healthcare worker will explain to you which bags you need and who provides them.
If you need this service, download and complete the application form.
What happens next
You need to complete and sign the form and give it to your doctor or healthcare professional responsible for your care, for them to complete, sign and return to us.
Once we have processed your application we will advise you of your collection day and how to put your bags out.
Disposing of medical and personal hygiene waste, medicines and equipment
If you do not have an infection your medical waste such as dressings and swabs can go in your black bin. Personal hygiene waste like sanitary pads and adult continence pads can also go in your black bin.
You can request an extra black bin free of charge if you have a lot of this type of waste.
We do not provide a collection for unused medicines. Any expired and unwanted medicines should be taken to a pharmacy. Do not dispose of them in your waste bins, toilet or drain.
Used or unwanted medical equipment and devices can be recycled by contacting the manufacturer, your local health care provider or a specialist charity.