Sharps Waste Disposal
Licensed sharps disposal and needle collection for healthcare clinics, dental practices and aesthetic studios. Free puncture-proof bins, compliant…
Sharps waste includes any item that could cut or puncture the skin and may be contaminated with blood or bodily fluids. This includes needles, syringes, lancets, scalpels, razor blades and glass ampoules. MediWaste provides licensed sharps waste disposal with free puncture-proof sharps bins supplied as part of your service.
Types of Medical Sharps Waste
- Needles and syringes — from injections, blood sampling and vaccinations
- Lancets and finger-prick devices — from diabetes testing and point-of-care testing
- Scalpels and surgical blades — from minor surgery and podiatry
- Razor blades — from dermatology and beauty treatments
- Glass ampoules and vials — from pharmaceutical preparation
- Acupuncture needles — from acupuncture and dry needling clinics
Sharps Bin Colour Coding and Segregation
The HSE guidance on sharps disposal specifies colour-coded bins:
- Orange sharps bins — sharps not contaminated with pharmaceuticals (e.g. blood sampling needles)
- Yellow sharps bins — sharps contaminated with pharmaceuticals (e.g. injection needles)
- Purple sharps bins — cytotoxic or cytostatic contaminated sharps (e.g. chemotherapy needles)
Regulatory Compliance for Sharps Disposal
Sharps waste disposal is regulated under the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. All sharps must be placed in UN-approved puncture-proof containers and disposed of by licensed carriers. MediWaste provides full documentation for every collection.
Our Collection Process
- Free consultation — We assess your waste streams and recommend the right containers and collection schedule.
- Scheduled collection — Our licensed drivers collect your waste at agreed intervals and issue waste transfer notes on every visit.
- Compliant disposal — Waste is transported to a licensed facility for incineration or treatment, with full chain-of-custody documentation.
Compliance guarantee: All waste transfer notes and consignment notes provided within 48 hours of collection. MediWaste is audited annually by the Environment Agency and holds a registered waste carrier licence (upper tier).
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sharps bins do you provide?
We supply sharps bins in 1 litre, 5 litre, 7 litre and 11 litre sizes depending on your needs. Smaller clinics typically use 5 or 7 litre bins, while high-volume settings may require 11 litre or multiple bins.
How full should a sharps bin be before collection?
Sharps bins should be sealed when they reach the fill line indicated on the container, usually around three-quarters full. Never overfill a sharps bin, as this increases the risk of needlestick injuries.
Can you collect sharps from tattoo and beauty studios?
Yes, we collect sharps waste from tattoo studios, beauty salons, aesthetic clinics, acupuncture clinics and any business that generates sharps waste. All businesses producing sharps waste have a legal duty to dispose of it safely.
What records do I need to keep for sharps disposal?
You must retain waste transfer notes or hazardous waste consignment notes for a minimum of two years. We provide all documentation within 48 hours of collection and can supply copies on request.
Request a free quote or call 0800 046 9806.
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