Clinical waste collections
We collect:
- swabs and dressings
- syringes, needles and other sharp instruments
Your healthcare professional will tell you if you need to arrange a free clinical waste collection.
We will only collect clinical waste if it is in the correct type of bag or sharps box. We will provide these items.
We do not collect pharmaceuticals or drugs. You can take these to your pharmacy.
Sharps boxes are for syringes, needles and other sharp instruments. You must request a collection each time you need one.
Clinical waste collection details
Bags
We will tell you your collection day.
Sharps box
When you request a sharps collection, you will choose the day.
Putting out your bags or sharp box
You must put your bags or sharps box out the night before the collection is due.
They must be on your property, not on the pavement.
We will not knock on your door to collect the bags or box.
Request, cancel or report a missed clinical waste collection
You can request, cancel or report a missed collection through your BRUM account.
If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one.
Request a clinical waste collection
When you request this service, we will contact you to check your needs. We will provide the bags that you need.
Moving house
If you move house, you will need to cancel your existing collection and request it again from your new house.
Businesses
The service cannot be used for:
- schools
- hostels
- businesses
- care homes
- places of worship
- any other non-domestic premises
These premises must arrange a collection with a licensed waste carrier.
Page last updated: 3 June 2026
