How should I dispose of used needles or sharps?

You can use your sharps bin to dispose of medical supplies such as:

• Needles
• Syringes
• Lancets used with finger-pricking devices
• Clippers 

Put needles or similar medical supplies into the sharps bin immediately after using them and do not try to take them out again. Only fill the bin to where it says "Do not fill above this line".

Used needles must not be bent or broken before disposal, and you must never try to recap a needle.

Keep your sharps bin in a safe place so it's not a risk to other people and is out of the sight and reach of children.

If possible, when not using the sharps bin, move the lid of the sharps bin to the temporary closure position. This will mean the lid is still able to be opened again but it will protect the contents from accidentally spilling out and limit unintentional exposure.

Arrangements for disposing of full sharps bins vary depending where you live.

If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, and use needles at home, your local council may be responsible for collecting your full sharps bin.

You can find out more from your local council's website. Local councils can charge for this service, but most do not.

Find your local council.

Do not put used needles or other sharps in:

• Any type of household bin (for example, a general rubbish bin or a recycling bin)
• A container that's no longer needed, such as a drinks can or bottle

Needles can cause injuries. Used needles can carry blood-borne viruses that may be passed on to other people.

Viruses that can be passed on through contact with needles include:

• HIV  
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C