The sharps box disposal mystery solved, at last! Here, at least.

[rogergee]

No idea why it’s taken so long for the council to be clear and informative about this, but better verrry late than the never it was last time I looked on their website! I assume that there isn’t a limit to how many boxes you can include in your 3 monthly collection. This is a council in England - maybe they all have this responsibility now?

Why can I no longer take my full sharps box back to the pharmacy?

The NHS no longer provide this service. The responsibility for the collection of sharps boxes has been passed to local councils. This council provide a collection from your home, between 7.30 am and 12pm. One collection per person/per household in each quarter (rolling 13 weeks period). Up to 4 per year.

How can I arrange a collection?

A collection can be requested via the Council website. You will need to login and provide your full contact details. Once this is done your details will be saved securely for you to use for future transactions. Collections take place on the same day as your usual bin collection day,

Can I leave the box on the doorstep?

No, you will need to be home to sign when the collection takes place. If you have a secure location for your box you may ask us to use that if you are not able to be at home. You will need to include details of any special arrangements for the collection on the request form.

Will the council provide a replacement sharps box when collecting the full one?

A replacement sharps box is provided along with your prescribed medication by your pharmacy or health care team. The council will not provide replacements.

[Star13]

It seems that different councils have different arrangements. It will depend who the council subcontract out too what arrangements you will get. I was given dates when they would be in my area and I could call and arrange to be put on the list. If it was too early or I was not going to be in I can leave it on the door step and they will leave an empty replacement box there too.

I’ve realised that it’s just easier to order the biggest box so it lasts longer and means less pick ups!

[rogergee in reply to Star13]

Sounds very sensible! No doorstep dumping here though. Yet I once had to dispose of a drain, bottle and it contents after an op and they were perfectly happy for that to be left on the doorstep in its bright yellow bag!

[Star13 in reply to rogergee]

😖🫣

[Nackapan]

Differs everywhere but councils are responsible for their areas. The sharps boxes are cheap to buy if buying your own b12.

I've had 2 Sharp boxes on prescription.

Also bought two..

I had to leave it out by 0700hrs after ringing abd date bring told.

I do not have to sign as you do.

[deniseinmilden]

My surgery has swapped up mine for me but the local hospital has too.

[Singoutloud]

I've been using a needle clipper for years. The description says "BD Safe Clip can clip off up to 1500 needles between 28G and 31G and in length from 5mm to 12.7mm." I tend to only inject when I feel I the need but was previously self injecting every other day. Even after 6 years it still isn't full. It also means rest of the syringe can go in the with the household waste. Reading some of the reviews on Amazon it can be taken to the GP for disposal when full

[rogergee in reply to Singoutloud]

That sounds amazing. And the plastic bit then can just go in the bin? How big is it please?

[Singoutloud in reply to rogergee]

Apologies rogergee I thought I had replied yesterday bit not for the first time I forgot to press send 😂The needle clipper is small enough to fit in your hand 11cm x 2cm x 3.5cm high. You simply pop your needle in the hole on the side and press the sprung loaded end to cut it. It's completely sealed so nothing can escape. However, if using longer needles, I would suggest snipping off smaller pieces at a time so they don't jam the mechanism. It is just over £5 on amazon & I have added the link below.

BD SAFE-CLIP NEEDLE CLIPPER - 1 by BD MICRO FINE amzn.eu/iiOWqE5

Picture of BD Safe-Clip needle clipper

[rogergee in reply to Singoutloud]

Thank you very much Singoutloud. I believe we share a common problem in forgetting to press send!Wonder why these are not more widely known about?

[MrsTuft]

Mad question - when they collect your sharps box do they empty it and give you it back or do you have to buy a new one?

[Pixielula]

You have to buy a new one , the whole point of the sharps box is to keep used needles contained safely until incinerated.