Sharps Waste Disposal (Oxfordshire)
As each local council deals with clinical waste from the public in a slightly different manner, the PCT have outlined the guidelines below for patients:
In England and Wales some GP surgeries and pharmacies will collect sharps bins from people with diabetes, but they are not duty bound by the law to do so. However, your local council does have a duty to collect your sharps bin, but you need to request this service and they can charge you for this if they choose to.
West Oxfordshire Council- A clinical waste collection (e.g. needles, syringes, incontinence pads, medical dressings) can be arranged from your home on a weekly basis. Proof will be necessary from a medical practitioner to confirm your need for this free service.
Cherwell District Council – We do not collect any sharp instruments (i.e. needles and syringes). Please contact your doctor or health worker who will provide you with a ‘sharps container’ and advice on how to dispose of this.
Oxford City District Council – We offer a clinical waste collection service. This is the collection of medical dressings and needles. The collected items are incinerated at a special site. To arrange a clinical waste collection, contact us on 01865 249811.
South Oxfordshire District Council – Regular users of syringes e.g. diabetics should contact their GP to arrange for needle disposal (this includes illegal drug takers). The needle disposal/exchange may be done either via the GP or through needle exchange charities.
Vale of White Horse District Council – Regular users of syringes for example diabetics, should contact their GP to arrange for needle disposal (this includes illegal drug takers). The needle disposal/exchange may be arranged either via your GP or through needle exchange charities.