Clinical waste

The council offers a collection service for residents who have clinical waste to dispose of  (including needles) from household premises.

Q. How do I arrange a clinical collection?
We can only collect waste from a private householder if they have been referred to us by their doctor or nurse. 

What day will my clinical waste be collected?

All clinical collections take place on a Wednesday or Thursday. Please present your waste on Tuesday night to ensure collection.

What is Clinical Waste?

• Identifiable human tissue
• Discarded syringe needles, cartridges, broken glass and any other contaminated disposable sharp instruments or items
• Items used to dispose of urine, faeces and other bodily secretions or excretions. This includes used disposable bedpans or bedpan liners, incontinence pads, stoma bags and urine containers
• Blood, animal carcasses and tissue from veterinary centres, hospitals or laboratories.
• Soiled surgical dressings, swabs and other similar soiled waste.

Q. I use hypodermic needles and do not know how I should dispose of them. Can you help me?
High Peak Borough Council can collect sharps from domestic properties following a referal from a GP or District Nurse. Alternatively some local pharmacies offer a sharps disposal & advice service.

Q. Can you tell me where I may exchange drug needles in the Borough?
There are needle exchange facilities in Buxton, New Mills and Tideswell. Your local Pharmacy may also be able to assist.

Q. I require a collection for my clinical waste this week.
Clinical waste is collected on Wednesday / Thursday.

Q. I require more black clips / yellow bags.
We can deliver spares on request. Please contact Customer Services on 0845 129 7777 & allow up to 4 working days for delivery.

Q. I missed the collection last week/it was not taken.
The collection will take place the following week. Please ensure that your waste is presented for collection on Wednesday / Thursday.

Q. How do I dispose of medicine?
No medicines whatsoever should be placed in the yellow bags/sharps containers. Medicines should be disposed of at your local doctor's surgery/pharmacy/chemist.

Q. I have seen needles/drugs waste lying on the ground - can the Council remove it?
Yes we have a street cleansing team that are able to deal with this. Please contact Customer Services on 0845 129 7777.

Q. How do you check for needles in childrens play areas?
The playgrounds are inspected on a weekly basis by a specialist team for damage, litter and other problems. If a child has been stuck by a needle advise the parent to consult their GP as soon as possible.