Sherbourne Recycling calls for immediate action to keep ‘fat jabs’ out of kerbside collections

Following a significant increase in the number of sharps discovered in recycling collections, Sherbourne Recycling is urging householders to follow best practice recycling guidelines when it comes to disposing of potentially hazardous items.

The Coventry based materials recycling facility (MRF), which processes more than 175,000 tonnes of comingled household waste every year, operates the most advanced plant of its kind anywhere in the world. Embracing the latest developments in handling robotics and pioneering AI control, the facility sets the global standards in output quality and process efficiency.

Despite working closely with local authorities to improve resident education, operatives are reporting a steady rise in the number of hazardous items being discovered on the line. Alongside needles, syringes and insulin pens, used ‘fat jabs’ are quickly becoming one of the site’s most prevalent contaminants.

Sherbourne is quick to point out the terrifying potential consequences of sharps, referring to a recent situation in Doncaster. In this instance, a refuse worker was taken to hospital after a used weight loss needle pierced two pairs of gloves that he was wearing. Following four vaccinations, several booster shots and multiple blood tests, he is now campaigning to highlight the risks of improper waste disposal. 

Layla Shannon, business development director at Sherbourne Recycling, commented: ‘Over the past few months, we have experienced a notable rise in the number of sharps discovered at our MRF. While it may be easy for residents to throw used items into the nearest bin, we are keen to get the message out there that it puts our crews, operatives and sorting staff in real danger.

‘Carrying the risk of life altering blood diseases, needle injuries require urgent medical assessments and ongoing investigations. Impacting team members that are simply doing their best to separate your waste, improper disposal is simply irresponsible.’

Alongside injuries and the risk of infection, Shannon suggests that sharps have a wider business impact too. She continued, ‘The safety of our staff is obviously the first and most important reason to clamp down, but it is impossible to escape the commercial impact of improper sharps disposal too. Alongside disrupting operations, damaging equipment and contaminating otherwise recyclable loads, we also have to pay to dispose of items that can’t be recycled.’

So, what should residents do with their needles, syringes, insulin pens and weight loss jabs? If recycling bins are out of bounds, should they be thrown in landfill instead? Shannon concluded, ‘All sharps should be disposed of in a rigid, puncture resistant BS compliant container and taken to a participating community pharmacy or your local GP surgery. Some residents may even be able to arrange a clinical waste collection through their local council.

‘Safe and careful disposal of hazardous items is easy, but better education is needed as more residents than ever consume these products in the home.’