Freestyle Libre - Sharps Bin

[Flower3333]

Everyone who has the Freestyle Libre what size sharps bin do you use to dispose of the different elements which need to go in a sharps bin?

I normally use a 4 litre bin but the chemist hasn’t be able to get hold of one for a long time. I can’t use the 6 litre which they gave me instead as the hole isn’t big enough.

 

[helli]

I use a 4 litre sharps bin as prescribed by my GP.
I use this for all sharps from my pump, my Libre, my lancets, occasional syringes, needles and my boyfriends safety razor blades.
It takes at least 6 months for me to fill a bin - I requested a larger one when I got a patch pump but then discovered I can remove the needle so there is little to go in the sharps bin.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I can’t use the 6 litre which they gave me instead as the hole isn’t big enough.

Yes, the "big" bin I was given especially for Libre can't take the applicator.

Rather than trying to get an even bigger one I just dismantle the bit of the applicator that has the needle and put the needle in the bin (as well as the sensor itself), which is rather satisfying in itself. (Just takes a few minutes with some pliers.)

 

[helli]

Sorry, I didn't mention - I was told the applicator does not need to go in the sharps bin. I only put used sensors in mine.

 

[Robin]

Sorry, I didn't mention - I was told the applicator does not need to go in the sharps bin. I only put used sensors in mine.

I’m sure we we’re told at the training webinar that the bit of the applicator with the introducer needle had to go in the sharps bin. Mine will fit, but I'd rather do as @Bruce Stephens does, ie, pop the whole thing apart, and extract the needle with pliers (having said that, I can see why it’s not recommended, I managed to scratch my fingertip with it last time)

 

[nonethewiser]

Issued with 7lt bin, when full leave with gp practice reception, have to sign label before handing over.

 

[Steve_H]

All in the household waste. Was told on training course last year, it can't be recycled and as needle enclosed it's safe. Never had a sharps bin in the 30yrs of been type 1 diabetic.

 

[Ginny03]

My local council gave me special bags to collect clinical waste. All sharps bins etc have to go in there, so I just rescrew the top on and put the bit of the Libre containing the needle in loose, as it's enclosed. What I don't like is that they require you to leave these bags outside, in clear view of the road, on the day of collection, rather than knocking on the door for them (which is what they did where I lived previously). I live opposite a children's play area and really dislike having to do this.

 

[Ljc]

I feel the sane as you @Ginny03 about leaving my sharps bin outside

 

[helli]

My sharps bin is collected from outside my house. They collect it very early (about 6am) which is good in terms of very few people walking past but I have to put it out the night before and leave it there for at least 6 hours.
I expressed my concern about this - I picture my bin knocked over and into the road during the night and a car driving over it distributing sharps down the street. I am probably exaggerating but it stills feels worrying when I put it out the door. The council's response was not to worry because it was no longer my responsibility when it left my house. I don't think they understood my concern.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I’m sure we we’re told at the training webinar that the bit of the applicator with the introducer needle had to go in the sharps bin. Mine will fit, but I'd rather do as @Bruce Stephens does, ie, pop the whole thing apart, and extract the needle with pliers (having said that, I can see why it’s not recommended, I managed to scratch my fingertip with it last time)

Yup I dis-assemble my applicators to get the needle put with pliers too.

Same with Dex applicators, though those are harder to pop open to get to the needly bit (which probably backs up the idea that Dex inserters can just go in household waste?)

 

[trophywench]

I was surprised when the DSN/manager of the hospital diabetes clinic told me to just chuck all the Libre waste into the ordinary dustbin but just as well really as I am only allowed to have a 1 Litre sharps bin. It was quite difficult at times getting the Insight pump rubbish in there for more than a fortnight, and they don't like you keep having another new one.

 

[rebrascora]

I was "prescribed" an 8 litre Sharp Safe bin when I started getting my Libre on prescription. I was not expecting that and had run along to the surgery to collect my first sensors and they wanted to give me this huge bin with them. I said "thanks but no thanks" since I was on foot. I am still using my original 1 litre Sharp Safe bin. I break down the Libre applicators and old sensors and remove the battery and needle. It must be standard policy here for Libre waste to all be disposed of as hazardous and to issue the large bin when Libre is prescribed. I certainly hadn't requested it. It is still at the dispensary waiting for me to collect it but not sure I want or need such an obtrusively large object in the house, although a Sharp Safe that size could probably last me a lifetime.

 

[MarkGeordie]

I have a 7 litre sharps bin. The GP insisted all parts of the applicator and the sensor after use should go in. You don’t get many in though. I just hate having to keep taking it back to the surgery for a new one.