Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
What is ‘sharps waste’?
The word ‘sharps’ means any needles, syringes or equipment that you may have been sent home with to help you use your injectable medicine. ‘Sharps waste’ describes equipment that has been used and must now be disposed of.
Used sharps could cause injury to you or others who may handle them, so it is important they are disposed of in a safe way. They must not be discarded with your household waste.
How to dispose of used sharps safely
All sharps should be discarded in an approved sharps container – this should have been provided by your doctor / nurse / health visitor.
Sharps bins should be filled to the maximum mark shown on the container and be firmly closed to prevent any injuries from loose sharps.
G.P surgeries, health centres, community and hospital pharmacies do not have the facilities to dispose of returned sharps waste from the public.
Your local authority (council) is responsible for collecting and disposing of full sharps boxes. This must be arranged directly with your local authority, who may charge for this collection.
Please contact your local authority to determine arrangements for sharps waste collection in your area. Some may require a form to be completed by a healthcare professional before they will collect.
If you are not sure who your local authority is, please visit www.gov.uk/request-clinical-waste-collection
You will be asked to enter your postcode which will then direct you to the local authority for your area.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Pharmacy service.
About this information
Service:
Pharmacy
Reference:
S/019
Approval date:
5 March 2026
Review date:
5 March 2029
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.