Written question asked by Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 July 2025. It was answered by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Monday, 21 July 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Obesity: Drugs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure people who obtain weight loss injections through (a) private providers and (b) online services are able to safely dispose of used needles.

Answer: It is important for needles to be disposed of safely, as inappropriate disposal methods create a risk of accidental needle-stick injuries to pharmacy or general practice staff, waste management operatives, and other members of the public, potentially leading to infection with blood-borne diseases. All needles should be disposed in sharps bins, which can be obtained on prescription or purchased. Local authorities are obliged to collect clinical waste, including needles bins, from householders upon request, but under section 45(3)(b) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they may make a reasonable charge for this service. Patients can find out how to request a clinical waste collection from their local authority on the GOV.UK website.

Secondary information