Posted on 15-September-2025

Your guide to the new 24L sharps container made from healthcare waste

Following the launch of our world-first sharps container made from healthcare waste, we’re offering more detail about how the SHARPSGUARD® eco 24L container works. This blog is designed to support our customers by expanding on the key information behind the product – how it’s made, why it was introduced, and what it means for sustainability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in everyday use.

Why the switch from the 22L to the 24L container?

The new SHARPSGUARD® eco 24L has replaced the 22L container across our range. While it delivers the same trusted performance, the 24L model offers a larger usable internal capacity and is available at the same price point. It also introduces an important environmental benefit – it is made using up to 80% post-consumer recycled plastic, with up to 40% of that coming from NHS clinical waste.

How is healthcare waste used to make new containers?

The 24L container is manufactured through a closed-loop recycling process developed with our specialist partner. This process begins with the collection of clinical waste – including used sharps containers – from NHS hospitals. The waste is sterilised and shredded before being processed using a patented, water-based technology. This separates the plastic from non-plastic elements and removes any remaining pharmaceutical traces.

Once cleaned and dried, the plastic is reprocessed into pellets. A specialist additive is used to control melt flow and colour, ensuring the final material performs to the same standard as virgin plastic. These pellets are then used to manufacture new containers.

Is the recycled material safe?

Yes. All materials used in the container undergo strict treatment and quality controls. The recycled plastic meets End-of-Waste standards and is certified for use in healthcare environments. Any biological risk is removed during the initial sterilisation, and the recycling process ensures any pharmaceutical residues are filtered out.

The SHARPSGUARD® eco 24L container is fully compliant with the UN3291 standard for clinical waste containers.

How does the 24L container perform?

The container matches the performance of the previous 22L version in all key areas. Thanks to the use of specialist additive technology, the recycled plastic offers the same durability, strength and appearance as new material. It meets all relevant safety and regulatory standards for sharps waste.

What are the environmental benefits?

By using recycled plastic – including waste that would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill – the container supports wider NHS goals to reduce Scope 3 emissions and improve material circularity. The patented recycling process has a carbon footprint of just 0.33 tCO₂e per tonne, helping to lower the environmental impact associated with single-use plastic.

Are there cost benefits?

Yes. By reducing the need for imported raw materials and supporting UK-based recycling and manufacturing, the container supports greater resilience in the supply chain. At the same time, the 24L container offers a larger internal volume than the 22L at no additional cost, improving overall efficiency.

Supporting NHS sustainability targets

The introduction of the SHARPSGUARD® eco 24L container offers NHS Trusts a practical step towards meeting sustainability commitments. It provides a safe, compliant and cost-effective solution that supports both clinical and environmental performance.

For more information, please contact your local Area Manager or get in touch with our Customer Service Team.