How to dispose of medical needles
If you administer medicines yourself you are responsible for
disposing of the needles that you use correctly and safely. If a
healthcare professional is administering your medication, they
should dispose of the clinical waste for you.
Never put needles or syringes into your
household rubbish or recycling collection bags, bins or boxes as
they could injure the people who collect and process the waste, or
spoil the quality of the recycling material.
Local councils provide a clinical waste
collection service from your home. Clinical waste may include
sharps (needles), infectious waste, cytotoxic waste and offensive
waste. All district councils in Kent will collect sharps (needles)
but some will not collect other forms of clinical waste. Please
contact your district council if you require further
information.
Please use the map below to find out about the
clinical waste collection service for the district which you live
in:
If you have needles to dispose of that have been used for a non
medical purpose, Kent drug services can help you. For a list of
needle exchanges in Kent, and for further information please visit KDAAT's
website.
