Council warns over increase in sharps waste in household bins
Improper needle disposal could harm refuse workers and contaminate recycling
Residents in West Northamptonshire are being urged to dispose of needles and other medical "sharps" correctly after an increase in the number being found in household rubbish and recycling bins.
West Northamptonshire Council says sharps waste - including needles, screw-on pen needles and lancets used with injection pens and finger-prick devices - should never be put in general waste or recycling.
The council believes the increase is linked to the growing use of injectable weight-loss medications prescribed by the NHS and supplied by online pharmacies.
Councillor Laura Couse, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said incorrectly disposed needles posed a risk to waste workers and could contaminate recycling loads.
"There have been a number of disposable needles found in recycled waste as well as general waste," she said.
"Sometimes they're found by people picking up sacks and the needle penetrates through. So there's that contamination aspect as well, which is a public health risk."
She said sharps found in recycling could also affect the recycling process, with contaminated waste being diverted to landfill instead.
The council is encouraging residents to use designated sharps boxes provided by healthcare providers or pharmacies, and to arrange collection through the council's free clinical waste and sharps collection service.
Cllr Couse said information on safe disposal was usually provided alongside injectable medications, but some patients may not read or remember the guidance.
"My advice is please do read that information," she said. "It's quite vital that you follow the correct procedure."
Residents can book a collection through the council's website, with waste collected directly from their home.
Some pharmacies also accept sharps waste, although the council advises residents to check with individual branches before visiting.
Couse said larger sharps boxes could be useful for households generating higher volumes of waste, such as those using diabetes medication alongside weight-loss injections.
She also urged people to consider the impact on others when disposing of used needles.
"If that then happens to be a finger prick for someone collecting the rubbish, it can cause them harm," she said. "Please think of other people when disposing of the waste, as well as the environment."
For more information and advice on safe sharps disposals visit the council's website.