The safest way to dispose of sharps is to put them in a sharps box. This will then be collected from you as part of our new specialist collection service.

If your GP surgery or pharmacy can no longer accept your full sharps box, you can register for a new free collection service operated by Kennet District Council. This service will cover the whole of Wiltshire, excluding Swindon.

Yes. You must register for the collection of your sharps box by phoning 01380 724911 or by emailing kennet@kennet.gov.uk

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

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

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 so long as the needle has been removed and disposed of in your sharps box. Anyone using and insulin pump should dispose of the infusion set which includes the needle into the sharps box.

It is really important that the sharps box is never overfilled. Please observe the manufacturers guidelines on the box, and fill only to the mark indicated.

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.

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

Kennet District Council

Environment & Leisure Directorate

Kennet House

Sargeant Roger's Way

Hopton Park

Devizes

Wiltshire SN10 2ET

Email: kennet@kennet.gov.uk

Tel: 01380 724911