Sharps Bins

FAQs

• What is a sharps bin?

  A sharps bin is a secure, puncture-resistant container used to dispose of sharp medical or hazardous items.

  This includes things like:

  • Needles
  • Lancets or scalpels
  • Broken glass or contaminated sharps
    

  They help to reduce the risk of injury, infection, and contamination on-site.

  From labs and clinical settings to construction and cleaning teams, sharps bins are hugely important for safety.

  Explore our full first aid range to see related kits and sharps disposal solutions.

• Where to get a sharps bin?

  You can buy sharps bins directly from SMI.

  We stock:

  • Approved clinical waste bins that meet disposal regulations.
  • Lockable lids and colour-coded styles to suit different waste types.
  • Multiple size options from compact personal-use bins to large capacity containers.
    

  Everything is designed for safe storage, transport, and final disposal.

• How to dispose of sharps bins?

  Sharps bins must be sealed and collected by a licensed clinical waste provider.

  Disposal must follow local authority and HSE guidelines, which typically include:

  • Labelling the bin clearly with waste type and source.
  • Keeping a waste record as part of your site compliance.
  • Using approved collection bags or outer containers for transport.

  Never place sharps bins in general waste or recycling. If you're unsure, we recommend speaking to your hazardous waste contractor.

• What are sharps bins used for?

  Sharps bins are used to store and dispose of contaminated or hazardous sharps.

  This includes:

  • Broken items like glass thermometers or pipettes.
  • Needles, syringes, or ampoules used in first aid kits.
  • Blades or scalpels from workplace incidents or lab work.

  You can find relevant products in our fluid & needle containment section. This is designed to help you store and dispose of sharps safely and visibly.

• What colour is the sharps bin lid?

  Sharps bin lids are colour-coded to reflect the type of waste being stored.

  The most common colours include:

  • Purple lids - for cytotoxic or cytostatic waste.
  • Yellow lids - for clinical sharps and infectious waste.
  • Orange lids - for sharps not contaminated with medication.                                           

  Always check your site requirements and disposal provider guidance to ensure the right container is used.