You can request a clinical waste at home free collection service. Clinical waste must be handled separately from normal household rubbish because it may pose a risk to health. This service is for households only.
What clinical waste includes
Clinical waste is anything that may be infectious or contaminated.
This can include:
- sharps: Needles, syringes, lancets
- infectious dressings: Bandages or swabs with blood or bodily fluids
- contaminated materials: Items used to treat infections or wounds
These items must not be put in your household bins.
What can go in your black bin
Some healthcare items are not clinical waste and can go in your black bin if they are double‑wrapped.
These include:
- sanitary products
- incontinence pads
- stoma bags (empty)
- empty saline or glucose bags
These items are not infectious and do not require a clinical waste collection.
Sharps boxes
Sharps must always be placed in a sharps box.
You can:
- order a new sharps box
- request a replacement when your full box is ready to be collected
Sharps boxes keep needles secure and protect collection crews.
How to request a clinical waste collection
You can request a collection in two ways:
Once your request is approved, we will tell you your collection day and where to leave your waste.
Request a sharps box and waste collection
Missed collections
If your clinical waste was not collected:
- leave it out the following day
- if it is still not collected, contact us
Do not bring clinical waste to council offices
Clinical waste cannot be accepted at council buildings. If you cannot leave waste outside your home, contact the council to discuss safe alternatives.
Unwanted medicines
Unwanted or expired medicines must be taken to a pharmacy. They cannot go in your household bins or clinical waste bags.
Recycling healthcare packaging
Clean, empty packaging such as cardboard boxes or plastic bottles from non‑infectious medical supplies can go in your recycling bin. You can recycle your blister packs and inhaler cartridges with your local pharmacy.