Dispose of needles and sharps safely

It is important to dispose of needles and sharps safely to prevent the risk of injury to people in the community.

What are community sharps?

Many people rely on the use of needles and syringes to maintain their own health, or the health of a family member. Injecting equipment is also used by injecting drug users, and for animal healthcare by pet and livestock owners.

'Community sharps' is the name used to describe needles, syringes, lancets and similar equipment resulting from these activities.

Disposal of community sharps

Community sharps should always be kept secure and separate from other wastes.

Because of the high risk of injury to workers and other community members they should never be disposed of:

• in household waste or recycling bins (plastic syringes are NOT recyclable)
• in public litter bins
• by flushing down toilets or drains
• by discarding into the environment.

Where can I take community sharps for disposal?

Community sharps disposal facilities are available at: