Compliance Standards for Reusable Sharps Containers

Your one-stop hub for all things BS EN ISO 23907-2:2019 – the ultimate compliance standard for reusable sharps containers.

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Compliance Standards for Reusable Sharps Containers

Your Hub for ISO 23907-2: The Compliance Standard for Reusable Sharps Containers

With reusable sharps containers widely accepted as a viable alternative to single-use options, it’s essential to ensure the systems you introduce into your healthcare environment meet an acceptable safety standard.

This resource centre is your go-to destination for everything related to BS EN ISO 23907-2:2019, the internationally recognised standard for reusable sharps containers. This page offers the insight and guidance you need to ensure safe, compliant container selection.

What you’ll find here:

A brief history of UK sharps container compliance standards.
A clear breakdown of the requirements for ISO 23907-2 compliance.
Key difference between the single-use (Part 1) and reusable (Part 2) ISO standards.
Practical guidance for healthcare professionals navigating compliance.
Expert commentary, study guides and downloadable resources.

Sharpsmart is proud to have helped shape this standard. Our pioneering clinical design and safety-engineered innovations were instrumental in the development of ISO 23907-2 – bringing durability, sustainability, and accountability to the global sharps container market.

Read the Story Enquire About Our Reusables

What Is the ISO Standard for Reusable Sharps Containers?

BS EN ISO 23907-2:2019 is the compliance standard that outlines the global requirements for the design, testing and performance of reusable sharps containers.

Compliance with ISO 23907-2 confirms the superior design quality and lifecycle performance of reusable sharps containers by incorporating requirements above and beyond those of single-use containers, which are incinerated after one fill.

Download our free ISO 23907:2 study guide if you’d like to see the safety standards for sharps containers in more detail.

DOWNLOAD ISO Study Guide

A Brief History of UK Sharps Container Standards

The history of improved sharps container standards in the UK began when reusables were introduced to the UK healthcare market over 24 years ago.

At that time, the only existing standard (BSI Standard 7320:1990) focused only on single-use sharps containers. This allowed inferior reusable systems to enter the market that would otherwise be rejected under global testing standards.

To combat this risk and ensure the safety of healthcare facilities opting for reusable systems, the British government worked alongside innovative engineers, such as those at Sharpsmart, to champion the adoption of international standards for sharps containers.

This led to the British Standards Institute (BSI) aligning with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and establishing EN ISO 23907-1 in 2012, superseding the existing single-use standards.

During the development of the updated single-use standard, the ISO committee also began work on a dedicated standard for reusable containers – BS EN ISO 23907-2.

These new and updated regulations defined a fixed compliance standard that ensures a baseline level of safety and quality for all sharps containers.

The ISO Standard Requirements for Sharps Containers

Reusable and single-use sharps containers are both governed by internationally recognised ISO standards designed to reduce injury risk and ensure user safety. Some of those core requirements are shared across both ISO 23907 Part 1 (for single-use) and ISO 23907 Part 2 (for reusable containers).

Shared ISO Requirements for Both Types

All sharps containers – whether single-use (Part 1) or reusable (Part 2) – must meet key safety benchmarks to achieve ISO compliance.

Restricted access design: The container aperture must prevent hand entry and unauthorised removal of contents.
Overfill protection: The design must mitigate the risk of overfilling and provide a clear, visible fill line.
Secure closures: Permanent and temporary closure mechanisms must be clearly differentiated. Once locked, the permanent closure must resist manual reopening.
Penetration resistance: All containers must meet minimum force resistance during testing:
- 16 newtons for single-use
- 20 newtons for reusable containers

Additional ISO Requirements for Reusable Containers

Because reusable containers are designed for repeated use over several years, ISO 23907 Part 2 introduces more stringent performance and hygiene standards.

Lifecycle testing: Simulated wear and tear through drop tests and repeated transport/processing cycles ensures performance durability throughout the container’s lifespan.
Automated cleaning standards: Cleaning must be validated microbiologically, automated, and continuously monitored to ensure hygienic reuse.
Microbial efficacy validation: Containers must undergo rigorous decontamination efficacy testing as outlined in Annex A of the standard.
Post-wash quality assurance: Each container must be quality checked after decontamination to verify cleanliness and structural integrity before being reintroduced to clinical environments.

Explore More: Understanding ISO Testing for Reusable Sharps Containers

Explore Our ISO Compliance Resources and Research

Clinically Proven as the Safest Sharps Disposal Solution

Backed by clinical evidence and independent peer-reviewed studies, the Sharpsmart reusable container is the epitome of safety in sharps disposal; developed in partnership with clinicians and expertly crafted to be the most advanced sharps container on the market.

With 13 safety features including needle-resistant plastic, a gravity-sensitive tray for safe disposal, and an overfill protection mechanism; it has been proven to reduce needlestick injuries by up to 87% and has earned the trust of healthcare facilities worldwide.

The evidence speaks for itself, the Sharpsmart container system is your assurance of unparalleled safety in sharps disposal.

Read the Peer Reviewed Clinical Studies

Ready to Bring ISO 23907-2 Compliance into Your Facility?

As the reusable sharps containment system that set the ISO standard, Sharpsmart’s container gives healthcare providers a proven, peer-reviewed path to safer, more sustainable, and fully compliant sharps waste management.

Whether you’re:

Reviewing your existing sharps container compliance.
Planning a transition away from single-use containers.
Seeking expert guidance on procurement aligned to ISO standards.

We’re here to help.

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The Sharpsmart system is available through NHS Supply chain. The delivery would be provided by Sharpsmart Ltd. The waste element of the Sharpsmart service is procured outside of the NHS framework agreement for sharps containers. Waste disposal can be procured directly from Sharpsmart Ltd via CPC NOE or Health Trust Europe framework agreements, or can continue to be provided by your existing waste company.
Look for documented evidence of compliance, including lifecycle testing results, microbiological validation, and quality assurance processes. Manufacturers should provide certification and testing reports aligned with ISO 23907-2 criteria.
Yes. ISO 23907-2 is recognised by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and provides a benchmark for NHS Trusts and procurement frameworks to ensure reusable sharps containers meet rigorous safety and performance standards.
Sharpsmart containers have been tested against and approved to both BS ISO 23907-2:2019 and UN3291. Notably, BS ISO 23907-2:2019 provides standards specific to reusable containers. It not only covers the design functionality for user safety outlined in ISO 23907 Part 1 (standards for single-use containers), but it also includes requirements for lifespan simulation, cleaning & decontamination, microbial validation, quality monitoring, and performance testing for reusable standards.

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