Sharps Bins

<p>Yellow bins are for sharps contaminated with medicines, such as used needles and syringes. Orange bins are for sharps not contaminated with medicines. Purple bins are for cytotoxic and cytostatic sharps waste, including chemotherapy-related items. Check your site's waste policy if you're unsure which stream applies to you.</p>

<p>Base size on how much sharps waste your site generates between collections, not just room size. Low-use settings often suit a 2L or 5L bin, while busier clinical areas need 7L or larger. If a bin regularly reaches its fill line early, move up a size.</p>

<p>Sharps bins take hypodermic needles, syringes with needles attached, lancets, scalpels and blades, stitch cutters, and any sharp item that has been in contact with blood or body fluids. Glass ampoules and non-sharp clinical waste should not go in a sharps bin.</p>

<p>No. UN-approved sharps bins are single-use only. Once sealed, the bin and its contents are disposed of together by incineration.</p>

<p>Once the bin reaches its fill line, usually around two-thirds full, activate the temporary closure, complete the label with the closure date and site details, then apply the final permanent lock before storing it securely for collection.</p>

<p>Collection should be based on fill rate. Busy sites often need weekly collection, lower-volume sites monthly. Seal and arrange an unscheduled collection if a bin fills ahead of its scheduled date.</p>