Bio Systems Sharps Management
Our multi-award winning reusable sharps management service is safe, economical and convenient for large-scale sharps producers.
We are the only company to offer a complete end-to-end service for resuable sharps management, from sharps bin collection and transportation right through to treatment at our licenced facilities.
Stericycle’s Bio Systems containers are reusable UN-approved puncture-resistant containers that can be used up to 600 times after washing and disinfection, as opposed to single-use sharps bins that are disposed after just one use.
The Process
We ensure that clinical waste is removed from site in a timely and efficient manner.
Once collected, the full sharps containers are taken to the Stericycle treatment facility where they are opened, emptied and disinfected using an automated wash-line that features state-of-the-art robotics.
The disinfected containers are meticulously inspected and then reassembled before they are returned to the hospital for reuse. The clean replacement sharps containers are supplied on a daily basis, which means there is no waste build up around the site.
Stericycle Sharps Solutions Process
Sustainable
The Stericycle Bio Systems service significantly contributes to your sustainability measures. We are proud to operate a completely self-sufficient wash-line at our premises, with the wash line and state-of-the-art robotics system powered by our on-site Energy from Waste incinerator.
Additional benefits include:
- For each reusable Bio Systems container used, up to 600 single-use containers are prevented from being incinerated
- This is equivalent to running two small cars for a year (based on a typical 1200 bed NHS trust)
- Environmental impact is reduced, compared with the disposal of containers after a single-use
- Because as containers are reused, bulky packaging waste from the purchase of single-use containers is eliminated
Safe
Our Bio Systems service offers a range of benefits to keep your facility, staff and patients safe, including:
- Improved compliance, as all sharps containers arrive at the hospital assembled
- Proactive replacement of containers by trained technicians, eliminating over-filling of containers
- Flexibility to accommodate peak in demand periods with provision for bulk disposal in areas such as operating theatres
- Unrivalled state of the art technology with a three stage disinfection process and stringent quality controls
Convenient
As the Bio Systems service is a complete package and not just a container, customers find the convenience unparalleled.
Users can benefit from:
- Freeing up staff and cutting costs significantly diminishing greenhouse gases
- Saving space and reducing the risk of needlestick injuries
- A choice of three container sizes, 7.5ltr, 15ltr and 30.2ltr, with corresponding wall brackets and trollies to maximise use of space
- Improved flexibility and convenience for your staff
Economical
Our Bio Systems service provides significant economical benefits to its users through:
- Self-sufficient operation of the Bio Systems wash-line, meaning we don’t need to pay for electricity to operate the system, passing on cost savings to customers
- Potential for insurance policy premiums to be reduced due to the reduction in the number of needlestick injuries
- Eliminating the requirement to purchase sharps containers in bulk, eradicating the need to dedicate valuable time to managing stock
- Generating an average cost saving of between 10-20% against the total costs involved in operating a single-use sharps container service
Why Stericycle?
Your single nationwide provider
With 19 facilities and a fleet of over 320 trucks, Stericycle ensures seamless, expert waste management across the UK, prioritising safety, sustainability and compliance.
Your sustainability partner
Our sustainable solutions and services helped customers divert 46 thousand tonnes of plastics from landfills and treat 590 thousand tonnes of medical waste during 2023, reducing environmental impact.
Your end-to-end solution
Stericycle offers peace of mind with regulatory compliance and traceability throughout the entire process. We manage every aspect of waste in-house, from collection to disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of different types of containers that can be used to dispose of sharps, depending on which waste stream is appropriate. You can find the right types of sharps containers here.
Firstly, consider the appropriate waste stream that you require containers for - you can then contact us here to discuss.
Any item with sharp edges or points that are used to or can puncture the skin in clinical environments, laboratories, health and well being facilities and training centres. This includes medical items such as needles or scalpels but can also include glass or plastics.
Sharps containers are both reusable or non reusable. Our Bio Systems containers can be reused up to 600 times, reducing environmental impact significantly when compared with single use containers.
The Bio Systems Sharps Management service can be used by any large scale sharps producer, such as hospitals, laboratories and high volume premises.