Needles, blades, syringes – handled wrong, they’re dangerous
Sharps waste is one of the most high-risk types of clinical waste and it’s more common than you might think. From medical clinics to tattoo studios, any business using sharp instruments must take extra care with how they dispose of them.
In this guide, we break down what sharps waste includes, why it matters and how to manage it safely and legally.
What is sharps waste?
Sharps waste includes any item that’s sharp enough to puncture the skin and may carry a risk of infection or injury. Common examples are:
- Needles and syringes
- Scalpels and razor blades
- Broken ampoules or glass vials
- Stitch cutters and dental tools
- Lancets used in diagnostics
If it’s sharp and used in a clinical or treatment setting, it should be treated as sharps waste.
Why proper disposal is essential
Sharps waste carries two serious risks:
- Injury to staff, clients or the public if not stored or disposed of properly.
- Infection – from bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
Failure to dispose of sharps correctly can result in:
- Legal penalties
- Health & safety violations
- Reputational damage
- Environmental harm
How to dispose of sharps waste correctly
1. Use an approved sharps bin
Sharps must be disposed of in a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container with a secure lid. These bins are typically yellow with colour-coded lids, depending on the contents.
| Lid Colour | Waste Type |
| Yellow | Infectious sharps |
| Orange | Non-infectious sharps |
| Purple | Cytotoxic/cytostatic sharps |
Never place sharps in plastic bags or general waste.
2. Don’t overfill or re-open containers
Sharps bins should be closed once they reach the fill line. Don’t try to press waste down or re-open a sealed bin, this increases the risk of injury.
3. Store safely
Bins should be kept in a secure, designated area, away from public access and ideally wall-mounted or in a locked cabinet.
4. Use a licensed sharps disposal provider
Your sharps waste must be collected and disposed of by a licensed waste carrier who complies with UK waste regulations. They’ll transport it to a treatment facility for safe incineration or disposal.
Who needs sharps disposal services?
Many businesses generate sharps waste, including:
- GP surgeries and clinics
- Dental practices
- Tattoo and piercing studios
- Aesthetics and cosmetic clinics
- Care homes and pharmacies
- Veterinary practices
If you’re using anything sharp in your services, you need a proper disposal process in place.
What does the law say?
Sharps waste is governed under:
- The Environmental Protection Act 1990
- The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
You have a legal Duty of Care to ensure sharps waste is stored, handled and disposed of safely, from the moment it’s produced to the moment it’s destroyed.
Why choose Harrison Benn?
We offer a full sharps waste service tailored to your business:
- Free sharps containers and colour-coded bins
- Flexible collection schedules
- All documentation for full compliance
- Friendly, expert support whenever you need it
Ready to dispose of sharps safely?
Managing sharps waste doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be done right. With the right partner, you can stay safe, legal, and focused on your business.
Need support with sharps disposal?
Get in touch today!