Storage of Sharps Box in Patients' Homes

Patient Information

Community React Team

• Author ID: LL 
• Leaflet Ref: CM 294
• Date Produced: July 2024
• Expiry Date: July 2026

Introduction

This patient information leaflet aims to provide you with information on how to store a sharps box in your home. 

The sharps box is designed for the safe disposal of needles or any other sharp or broken materials. It is for the use of health professionals or appropriately informed patients only.

The sharps box is a yellow container, which can vary in size and may have either a red, yellow or purple lid. 

You must ensure that the sharps box is stored in a safe area away from children or pets. Please obtain further advice from the nursing staff who are visiting you.

The sharps box lid should be partially closed but not fully closed, as this will cause it to self-lock. 

Everyone in your household and visitors must be made aware of the sharps box and the safe storage instructions.

In the event that there is spillage from the sharps box please contact the Community React Team or the district nurses on the contact number at the end of this leaflet. 

You must not attempt to remove any objects from the sharps box as this may result in a needle stick injury.

Contact Information

Please contact the nurses if you have any more questions about the use of the sharps box.

• Community React Team
  Contact Times: Monday to Sunday 8am to 8.30pm
  Telephone: 0300 707 2112

• District Nurses Evening and Night Service
  Contact Time: 8.30pm to 8am
  Telephone: 0300 707 1266
  Mobile: 07860 794654