Safety Alert – Disposal of clinical waste sharps
7 January 2025
This Safety Alert concerns the correct disposal of clinical waste sharps. Improperly closed containers pose a significant risk of injury to waste handlers, cleaners and potentially other staff.

What is the issue?
Two recent incidents highlight a critical safety concern – improper closure of sharps containers.
- A contractor sustained a needle-stick injury while collecting clinical waste due to an improperly closed sharps container.
- Exposed sharps were found within an external clinical waste bin.
Furthermore, many sharps containers are not being signed, dated or given a lab location, making it difficult to identify the source of the issue to take corrective action.
Action to be taken
- Secure closure: All sharps containers must be closed securely before being placed in the external yellow clinical waste bins. Ensure the lid is tightly closed and that no sharps can be accessed.
- Complete labeling: All sharps container labels must be filled in completely and accurately.
Where can I get further information?
Feedback
Help us improve the website and let us know your suggestions, feedback, or comments. Please contact us.