Clinical waste  

West Wiltshire District Council's clinical waste service is operated by Kennet District Council, who can be contacted on 01380 724911. For a leaflet about the sharps collection service click here (PDF file, opens in new window)

How should I dispose of sharps (ie needles and syringes)?

The safest way to dispose of sharps is to put them in a sharps box, provided and collected by Kennet District Council.

How do I dispose of the full sharps box?

If your GP surgery or pharmacy can no longer accept your full sharps box, you can register for a free collection service operated by Kennet District Council.

Do I have to register for the new collection service?

Yes. You must register for the collection of your sharps box by phoning 01380 724911 or by emailing kennet@kennet.gov.uk. You could alternatively fill in the on-line form.

More information, advice and help is also available on this helpline number and on the website www.kennet.gov.uk

How do I get a sharps box?

You will need to get a prescription from your GP, and collect the box from your local pharmacist. These one litre bins allow for the safe disposal of your sharps. You should request two boxes to allow for a spare.

What can I put in my sharps box?

All used needles, lancets, syringes or empty insulin cartridges must be disposed of in your sharps box. Disposable pens can be disposed of in domestic waste as long as the needle has been removed and disposed of in your sharps box. Anyone using an insulin pump should dispose of the infusion set, which includes the needle, into the sharps box.

How do I use my sharps box safely?

It is really important that the sharps box is never overfilled. You should please observe the manufacturer's guidelines on the box, and fill only to the mark indicated.

Using sharps safely

• Do not place sharps boxes on the floor or anywhere that children, people with confusion or pets might be placed at risk of infection or serious injury.
• Keep all your needles, lancets and glucose monitoring equipment clean, bloodstain free and out of reach of children at all times.
• Never share syringes, finger pricking devices, lancets or insulin pen devices. NEVER dispose of sharps in household waste

For more information and to register for the sharps collection service please contact:

Kennet District Council, Environment & Leisure Directorate, Kennet House, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 2ET

Email: kennet@kennet.gov.uk Tel: 01380 724911 Mon -Fri 8.30am to 5pm

A leaflet containing this information is produced by Wiltshire Waste Partnership consisting of county and district councils. A leaflet is also available in alternative formats: large print, braille, audio tape or disk. Please contact the helpline number above for further details.