Needles and sharps at home: safe disposal
How to store and dispose of used needles, lancets and pens safely if you use them at home, and what to do if you find one.
Use a proper sharps bin
Sharps bins are rigid yellow containers with a lid that locks. Your GP, nurse or pharmacist can usually tell you how to get one. Never put loose needles in household rubbish or recycling, where they can injure collection staff.
When the bin is full
Lock the lid when it is about three-quarters full. Arrangements for collection or drop-off vary by area: some pharmacies take them back, and some councils run a collection service. Ask locally.
If you find a needle
Do not pick it up with your hands. Report needles found in a public place to your council, which can arrange safe removal. Keep children and pets away from the area.
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