Clinical waste and sharps collection from your council

Some councils collect and dispose of used syringes, medicines and surgical waste from homes. GOV.UK has a postcode search to find your council's service in England and Wales.

• England and Wales
• Some councils charge

Key facts

• GOV.UK says there may be a charge for this service.
• Not every council offers it. The search tells you what yours does.
• Unwanted medicines can also go back to a pharmacy for free. In England every community pharmacy must take them.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Based on GOV.UK's own pages.

Accepted items

• Used syringes and sharps
• Medicines
• Surgical waste

Restrictions

• England and Wales only.

Related item guides

• Unused medicines
• Sharps and needles
• Clinical waste

Other kinds of place

• Bulky waste collection and furniture collection
• Charity shops and donation points near you
• Disposal of paint, gas bottles, chemicals and vapes

Schemes and collection services

• Return medicines to a pharmacy
• BHF free furniture collection
• IKEA mattress removal (paused)