Items not accepted in household bins

Managing medical waste at home is important for your safety and others. Some items - like needles, dressings, and certain medicines - can’t be disposed of in your usual bins or recycling. This page explains what counts as healthcare waste, how to handle it safely, and the correct ways to dispose of it.

If you run a business, any waste produced as part of your work is classed as trade waste. Make sure it is disposed of through the correct channels to comply with the law and help protect the environment.

Paint, chemicals and other hazardous items need to be disposed of carefully to protect people and the environment. Before throwing anything away, see if it can be reused or shared. If not, follow the guidance below to dispose of it safely and responsibly.