If your business deals with sharps waste—whether you’re in healthcare, a veterinary clinic, or even a tattoo studio—proper disposal is crucial. Not only is it important for keeping your employees and customers safe, but it’s also a legal requirement. Unfortunately, many businesses, even with the best intentions, make common mistakes when handling sharps. These errors can lead to safety risks, fines, and environmental harm.
So, what are the most frequent sharps disposal mistakes businesses make? And more importantly, how can you avoid them?
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Type of Sharps Container
When you’re running a busy clinic, it can be easy to start tossing used needles into a basic plastic bin without thinking much about it. But what exactly is wrong with this?
Sharps require specific containers that are puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and clearly labelled. Using standard containers (or worse, regular rubbish bins) increases the risk of injuries, contamination, and legal trouble. A needle can easily puncture thin plastic or bags, putting everyone from employees to waste handlers at risk.
How to Fix It:
Always use a designated sharps disposal container that meets regulatory standards. These containers are typically bright red or yellow and clearly marked for sharps. Place them in accessible areas wherever sharps are used, such as treatment rooms or tattoo stations, so staff can easily dispose of sharps immediately after use.
Mistake #2: Overfilling Sharps Containers
You’re busy, and your staff may think it’s efficient to let the sharps container fill up as much as possible before replacing it. While this may seem harmless, overfilling sharps containers is one of the biggest mistakes businesses make, and it’s extremely dangerous.
When containers get too full, the risk of sharps falling out or someone accidentally sticking their hand in while trying to dispose of something increases dramatically. It also puts waste handlers at higher risk, as they may encounter protruding needles when collecting the waste.
How to Fix It:
Sharps containers should never be filled beyond the ¾ full mark. Once a container reaches that point, it should be sealed and replaced with a new one. Train your team to recognise this limit and establish a clear procedure for replacing full containers promptly.
Mistake #3: Not Training Staff Properly on Sharps Disposal
Even with the right equipment, if your staff isn’t properly trained, mistakes will happen. Let’s say you’re running a salon that offers body piercings. Your staff uses sharps daily, but if they aren’t trained on correct disposal procedures, they might inadvertently toss sharps into the regular rubbish or not secure containers correctly.
This isn’t just risky—it’s dangerous. Improper disposal increases the likelihood of injury and exposes your business to liability and fines for non-compliance.
How to Fix It:
Training is key. Every employee handling sharps must be educated on how to dispose of them safely. This includes knowing where the sharps containers are, how to seal and replace them, and the importance of not overfilling them. Regular refresher courses can help reinforce good habits.
For instance, hold brief quarterly training sessions to review sharps safety and address any questions. It’s a simple but effective way to keep sharps disposal top-of-mind for your team.
Mistake #4: Improper Disposal of Sharps Containers
Once your sharps container is full, what happens next? This is where many businesses slip up. Improperly disposing of the containers—whether it’s tossing them into general waste or handing them off to unlicensed waste carriers—can have serious legal and safety repercussions.
In most areas, sharps containers are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of through a licensed medical or sharps waste disposal service. Simply throwing them away like regular rubbish is both illegal and dangerous.
How to Fix It:
Partner with a certified waste disposal company to handle your full sharps containers. At Envirotec, our expert team have the necessary expertise and licensing to dispose of sharps waste safely and in compliance with local regulations. You can schedule regular pickups based on your container usage to ensure that your full containers are removed promptly and correctly!
Mistake #5: Ignoring Local Regulations
Different regions have varying rules for sharps disposal. A common mistake is assuming that what’s allowed in one area applies everywhere. However, local laws dictate how sharps must be stored, labelled, and disposed of—and failing to comply can lead to hefty fines or even business closure.
For example, in some areas, you may be required to use specific types of containers, while in others, you need to label the containers in certain ways or keep detailed records of disposal.
How to Fix It:
Take the time to understand the specific regulations for sharps disposal in your area. You can usually find this information through local environmental health departments or waste management authorities. We understand that this can be hard to navigate, which is why partnering with us at Envirotec can give you peace of mind – our team is up-to-date on the latest regulations and can guide you through compliance.
Overview
Sharps disposal isn’t something you can afford to get wrong. It’s not just about protecting your staff—it’s about protecting your business, your customers, and the environment. Whether you’re running a healthcare facility, a veterinary practice, or a beauty salon, getting sharps disposal right ensures the safety and sustainability of your operations.
By avoiding these common mistakes—using the wrong containers, overfilling them, skipping training, improperly disposing of sharps, and ignoring regulations—you can create a safer, more compliant workplace. Sharps disposal may seem like a small part of your day-to-day business, but doing it correctly can make a huge difference.
So, take a moment to review your current sharps disposal procedures. Is there room for improvement? If so, start with these fixes and create a safer, smarter system for your team.
But you don’t have to navigate this alone! At Envirotec, we’re here to help. From our specially designed sharps disposal bins to our collection services and more, our fully trained team can help you correctly and safely sort out your sharps waste. Visit our page here to find out more, https://www.envirotechygieneservices.co.uk/healthcare-waste-management/sharps-disposal/ or get in touch with us today!