Sharps Containers
At John Preston, we supply a comprehensive range of sharps containers designed to support the safe disposal of needles, syringes and other clinical sharps within healthcare, care home, community care and professional environments. Our range includes Sharpsafe® containers in multiple sizes, providing secure solutions for the collection and disposal of potentially hazardous sharps waste.
Sharps Containers for Safe Clinical Waste Disposal and Infection Control
Safe sharps disposal is an essential part of infection prevention and workplace safety, helping reduce the risk of needlestick injuries, contamination and exposure to potentially infectious materials.
Supporting Safe Sharps Management
Used needles and other sharp medical items require careful handling and disposal to protect healthcare workers, carers, patients and waste management staff.
Sharps containers help support:
- Safe disposal of used needles and sharp instruments
- Reduced risk of needlestick injuries
- Improved clinical waste management
- Compliance with infection control procedures
- Safer working environments
Sharps containers are commonly used within:
- Hospitals
- GP surgeries
- Care homes
- Nursing facilities
- Clinics
- Dental practices
- Community healthcare settings
- Homecare environments
What Are Sharps Containers?
Sharps containers, sometimes known as sharps bins or needle disposal containers, are rigid, puncture-resistant containers designed for the safe collection of used medical sharps.
Sharps may include:
- Needles
- Syringes
- Lancets
- Scalpels
- Blades
- Other sharp medical instruments
Unlike standard waste containers, sharps bins are specifically designed to prevent accidental punctures and help contain potentially hazardous clinical waste.
Our Range of Sharps Containers
John Preston supplies Sharpsafe sharps management systems, available in a range of sizes to suit different healthcare requirements.
The range includes:
- Sharpsafe 0.45 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 0.6 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 1 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 4 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 5 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 7 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 13 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 24 litre containers
- Sharpsafe 30 litre containers
This choice of sizes allows healthcare providers to select suitable containers for different applications, from portable community use to larger clinical environments.
Sharpsafe Sharps Containers
The Sharpsafe range provides a secure sharps management solution designed around safe disposal practices and infection control requirements.
Key features include:
- Puncture-resistant construction
- Secure closure mechanisms
- Temporary closure options
- Protected access points
- Carrying handles on selected models
- Range of sizes for different applications
The range is designed to support safe disposal at the point of use, helping reduce unnecessary handling of used sharps.
Sharps Containers for Healthcare Environments
Healthcare professionals regularly use sharps during patient care procedures, making safe disposal systems essential.
Sharps containers are suitable for:
- Treatment rooms
- Wards
- Clinics
- Medical practices
- Community nursing services
Good sharps management practices include:
- Keeping containers close to where sharps are used
- Disposing of sharps immediately after use
- Avoiding overfilling containers
- Following manufacturer guidance
Sharps Containers for Care Homes
Care homes may require sharps containers for residents receiving treatments such as:
- Insulin administration
- Medication procedures
- Wound care
- Specialist healthcare support
Portable sharps containers can provide practical solutions for:
- Resident rooms
- Treatment areas
- Community care visits
Safe storage and disposal help protect residents, carers and support staff.
Sharps Containers for Community and Homecare
Community healthcare professionals often require lightweight and portable sharps disposal solutions.
Small sharps containers are suitable for:
- District nurses
- Community carers
- Home visits
- Mobile healthcare services
Portable designs allow sharps waste to be safely contained immediately after use, reducing unnecessary handling and transport risks.
Choosing the Right Sharps Container
When selecting a sharps container, consider:
Size Requirements
Different environments require different capacities.
Small containers
- Suitable for portable use
- Ideal for community care and individual procedures
Medium containers
- Suitable for treatment rooms and clinics
Large containers
- Designed for busy healthcare environments generating higher volumes of sharps waste
Location of Use
Consider where the container will be placed:
- Patient bedside
- Treatment room
- Medication preparation area
- Community care setting
Containers should be positioned safely and conveniently close to the point of use.
Additional Features
Useful features may include:
- Temporary closure mechanisms
- Carry handles
- Wall brackets
- Secure lids
- Clearly visible fill indicators
Benefits of Sharps Containers
Helps Reduce Needlestick Risks
Designed to provide safer disposal of used sharps.
Supports Infection Control Procedures
Helps prevent unsafe handling of potentially contaminated sharps.
Available in Multiple Sizes
Provides options for healthcare facilities, community care and home use.
Easy Point-of-Use Disposal
Encourages immediate disposal after procedures.
Safe Sharps Disposal Practices
For safer sharps management:
- Dispose of sharps immediately after use
- Do not recap or manipulate used needles
- Do not overfill containers
- Use approved sharps disposal containers
- Close and dispose of containers according to guidance
Complete Infection Control Solutions from John Preston
Sharps containers form part of John Preston’s wider infection control range, including:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Disposable gloves
- Face masks
- Protective clothing
- Hand sanitiser
- Hard surface cleaning and disinfection products
- Biohazard spill kits
- Air purification systems
- Skin cleansing products
These products help healthcare professionals, carers and organisations maintain safer and more hygienic environments.
Why Choose John Preston?
John Preston is a trusted supplier of medical, mobility, care and hygiene equipment throughout the UK and Ireland, supporting healthcare professionals, care providers and individuals with practical healthcare solutions.
Customers benefit from:
- Extensive healthcare product expertise
- Trusted infection control supplies
- Leading healthcare brands
- Professional advice and support
- Solutions for clinical and community care environments
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sharps containers used for?
Sharps containers are used for the safe disposal of needles, syringes, blades and other sharp medical items.
Why are sharps containers important?
Sharps containers help reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and support safe clinical waste management procedures.
What sizes of sharps containers are available?
John Preston supplies Sharpsafe® containers ranging from small portable sizes through to larger clinical waste containers.
Can sharps containers be used in homecare?
Yes. Smaller sharps containers are suitable for community healthcare and homecare situations where safe disposal is required.
When should a sharps container be replaced?
Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach the manufacturer’s recommended fill line and should not be overfilled.
Does John Preston supply other infection control products?
Yes. John Preston supplies a complete range of PPE, hygiene products, cleaning solutions and infection control equipment for healthcare and professional environments.