Sharps Boxes

[Janice Stockdale]

Hi I have a sharps box (filled with testing strips and sharps for bp tests) I have tried to get it picked up as we are moving abroad in a fortnight but my local council will not pick up without a letter from GP. My Gp is suspended and it is chaotic trying to get through to the reception of the covering GPs. I had sent letters/ requests for months trying just to get a sharps box, in the end I bought one but now cannot dispose of it. I am busy with so many things and knowing the reception team at the surgery it could take ages to get the letter for the council and then arrange a pick up, I originally thought I could just return to chemist. My doctor or replacement doctor had never explained what I had to do . Any suggestions? Others on the GP web site say that they have called up to 100 times before getting through so I am not the only person with this problem.

 

[Bill Stewardson]

I would walk into the surgery put it down and walk out

 

[grovesy]

Hi I have a sharps box (filled with testing strips and sharps for bp tests) I have tried to get it picked up as we are moving abroad in a fortnight but my local council will not pick up without a letter from GP. My Gp is suspended and it is chaotic trying to get through to the reception of the covering GPs. I had sent letters/ requests for months trying just to get a sharps box, in the end I bought one but now cannot dispose of it. I am busy with so many things and knowing the reception team at the surgery it could take ages to get the letter for the council and then arrange a pick up, I originally thought I could just return to chemist. My doctor or replacement doctor had never explained what I had to do . Any suggestions? Others on the GP web site say that they have called up to 100 times before getting through so I am not the only person with this problem.

Unfortunately collection of sharps bin is another of the Diabetes Postcode lottery with different areas having different arrangements.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Dump the bin at the reception of your GP surgery and tell them to dispose of it.

I have to wonder why you are filling the bin with test strips as they are not sharps

 

[Northerner]

Hospitals might take them, they must dispose of them all the time. I had a Council collection service for mine, but when I filled it and wanted it collecting they had crossed me off the list because it had been so long since they heard from me! It was a 5L bin! I had to get another referral. Mind you, if you are moving abroad I don't suppose you are worried about falling out with your surgery, so you could just take it there and scarper! 😱 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I'm pretty sure the legal requirement rests with the Local Authority. Though different areas have different procedures and some people need to take to pharmacy/GP surgery etc.

@Pumper_Sue I've had all sorts of different advice from different people about precisely what should and should not go into sharps bins. Many HCPs just default to 'put everything in' as test strips etc have come into contact with blood and could be considered a contamination risk (in the same way that lots of diabetes kit is 'single patient use only').

Personally I tend to think that a test strip is no more likely to cause contamination than a plaster. But I do know I've had slightly worried looks from HCPs whenever I've asked if things were 'fine for the bin'.

 

[Janice Stockdale]

Thanks for replies. Will probably do the dump at the surgery.😎

 

[mikeyB]

Good for you Janice. Wherever you are moving to in a fortnight, the very best of luck in your new life🙂

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

No one has ever mentioned a collection service to me, I take mine to my surgery.

 

[AceFace]

Must admit they are pretty good where i am from just take to the GP and sign a form feel for those who have issues you would think it would be a priority for councils to set up a convenient system

 

[trophywench]

More of a priority than what? LOL

 

[AceFace]

Anything as i have a sharp box loll

 

[Jedidiabetic]

just take it to your GP if you are a patient they have a right to take it.

 

[Amberzak]

Sue, I also have been told to put my test strips in the sharps bin.

We have a collection service around here

 

[Drummer]

I put mine into a tall tin and hammered a shorter one in on top, folded the edges over and then put it into the dustbin.

 

[the blue wildebeest]

My understanding is that the Local Authority has a legal obligation to collect and dispose safely... but experience suggests that they may need to be reminded or instructed. I have several sharps boxes, as they kept appearing on my prescription, and will take years to fill with lancets, as I was able to discontinue insulin use. Yellow plastic boxes, various designs...

 

[grovesy]

My understanding is that the Local Authority has a legal obligation to collect and dispose safely... but experience suggests that they may need to be reminded or instructed. I have several sharps boxes, as they kept appearing on my prescription, and will take years to fill with lancets, as I was able to discontinue insulin use. Yellow plastic boxes, various designs...

I have read of people whoose council wanted payment to dispose of.

 

[the blue wildebeest]

My council employs people who are unaware of legal obligations... and seem to make up their own rules which tend towards the uncooperative. And I then have conversations in which my diminishing patience is apparent.

 

[Jangles]

I was told that LA will only dispose if the sharps are prescribed by the GP, surgery won't dispose either for same reason so difficult if your testing but not prescribed testing kit by the GP. If however the GP has prescribed insulin or lancets then I'd just take it and leave it there. Just a thought, what about the chemist?