Needles and sharps: how to get rid of it

Last reviewed 21 October 2026 · General guidance for the UK · Council rules vary

Special care: never in any bin

Where it usually goes

Use a sharps bin. Ask your pharmacy, GP or council about returning it.

⚠️ Never loose in a bin.

Can cause fires, pollution or injury. Use a specialist route.

Never put it in any household bin, down the sink or down a drain.
Use the specialist route: a recycling centre that accepts it, the retailer, the supplier or a specialist collector.
Keep it in its original container, upright and away from children and pets.

What goes in which bin, bulky collections and recycling centre rules are set by your local council. Find your local council on GOV.UK ↗

Also searched for as: needle, syringe, lancet, insulin pen.