Is your business ‘needle safe’?
Self-injection is becoming a routine part of British life.
And one of the clearest drivers is weight loss:
- an estimated 1.6 million UK adults used weight loss drugs in the past year, according to University College London research;
- monthly sales of Mounjaro and Wegovy packs rose sevenfold, from 493,000 in July 2024 to 2.49 million in July 2025;
- over 2 million adults are now paying privately for these injections, roughly seven times the number receiving them through the NHS.
Beyond weight management, injectable treatments for diabetes, autoimmune conditions and fertility remain common. With more people expressing interest in trying these drugs, needle use looks set to keep climbing. As does the need for safe sharps waste disposal.
It’s no surprise then that as a washroom service company our staff are unfortunately more exposed to needlestick injuries. Recently we had the second incident at the same hospitality venue within 3 months. We’re finding needles in toilets, nappy bins, sanitary bins and sinks, just wrapped in a paper towel; sometimes they’re not wrapped at all. All because there is no sharps bin available.
Which businesses or organisations should have sharps waste disposal?
Healthcare settings such as GP surgeries, health centres, hospitals, dentists, clinics, needle exchange and rehabilitation centres and veterinary practices are the most obvious places that require clinical and sharps waste disposal.
However, needles are also used in other places including prisons, commercial pharmacies (like Boots for flu jabs), council buildings, schools and universities, laboratories, care facilities, tattoo parlours, beauty salons – and the aforementioned hospitality sector can see frequent needle use in its venues too.
If you manage a business or organisation that deals with people (or animals), you probably need a sharps box. You may have staff or customers who need to self-inject for diabetes or vitamin B12 treatments, for example; a sharps bin could make their experience a lot safer.
Please note we do not offer sharps disposal for home use. Contact your local GP practice or health centre for details of obtaining sharps bins for personal, non-commercial use.
Sharps waste disposal: an easy answer
Every business should have a sharps container, for your peace of mind as a business owner or manager. Who pays the claim should a member of staff or a customer fall foul of a rogue needle in a bathroom?
It’s time to consider better protection for your staff, customers, contractors and suppliers.
Where can you get a sharps disposal box for your business?
A sharps waste disposal service is available from most independent washroom companies like us (look for the IWSA Logo), and can provide a sharps bin on an annual or 6-monthly collection. With prices starting as low as 50 pence per week, it’s something you should definitely consider.
Wilson Washroom Services provides sharps bins and disposal services at an affordable price for businesses across the UK. As a SEPA registered supplier, you are assured that we dispose of all sharps bins and clinical waste responsibly and in compliance with our legal obligations.
Get in touch to discuss your sharps waste disposal options and keep your business needle safe.
