Healthcare waste collection

This page tells you what to do if you have regular or occasional healthcare waste to get rid of that’s not related to the coronavirus pandemic (e.g. used lateral flow tests, PPE, face coverings, and used tissues).

Healthcare waste such as syringes, needles, scalpel blades (sharps), should never be put in with your normal rubbish.

We offer a collection service for this type of waste.

You can request a regular collection by completing our healthcare waste referral form. Once we’ve received this, we’ll contact you to arrange collection, this is usually within six working days.

You do not need to fill another form if you have sent us a healthcare waste referral form and waste is produced regularly. For example if you require a weekly, fortnightly or monthly collection. In such instance we can set up a regular collection service without the need to contact us each time.

If you require occasional collection you would need to submit the waste referral form once and request any subsequent collections using our online waste collection form or by calling 023 9284 1105.

If you require a one-off collection you need to only submit the healthcare waste referral form.

We’ll ask you whether we need to knock the door to collect, or whether we need to collect from a safe place such as a porch or forecourt.

What can we take away?

• Sharps/needles contaminated with medicines and which could be infectious
• Sharps/needles contaminated with cytotoxic/cytostatic products which could be infectious
• Bagged waste that is not infectious, or may be infectious but can be treated – this includes waste from home dialysis

What can’t we take away?

• Sharps or needles that are not contained in a special yellow sharps container. These are supplied by chemists and medical professionals.
• Incontinence pads – these should be securely bagged and put in with your normal rubbish.
• Used COVID-19 lateral flow device tests, PPE, used tissues and face coverings  – these must be placed in your rubbish bin/bags.