Advice on correctly disposing of ‘sharps waste’
West Northamptonshire residents are being urged to correctly dispose of ‘sharps waste’ after an increase in the amount going into household waste (general waste and recycling bins).
‘Sharps waste’ could be needles, including screw on pen needles, and lancets from at-home medication. They should always be placed in a sharps box and disposed of via a free collection service. Some injection pen cartridges can be recycled. Visit the Pen Cycle website to arrange this
It is understood the increase is linked to the use of weight loss medications that are injected via a pen and supplied by the NHS as well as online pharmacies. Placing used injection pens in household waste, not only exposes refuse collectors to potential harm but there is also a serious environmental impact because lorries carrying loads of recycling will be rejected if they have become contaminated.
Speak to the healthcare provider who prescribed your medication to see if they can assist with the safe disposal of sharps waste, or alternatively you can book a collection via the clinical waste and sharps collection page
Patients who have not been provided with a sharps box or need a new one, should reach out to their healthcare provider or online pharmacy.
Residents looking to start or continue their healthy weight journey can also access 12 weeks support from a dedicated health coach. Visit the Healthy Weight page for more information