Meet the Reusable Sharps Container That Set the UK ISO Standard

Safe and responsible sharps waste management is of critical importance to healthcare professionals and clinical executives, and whilst choosing between single-use or reusable options isn’t mandated, a well-implemented reusable sharps system offers significant proven advantages in safety, sustainability and efficiency.

But how do you choose the right container for your facility? Read on for some helpful guidance.

TOPICS WE WILL COVER:

A Growing Market of ISO-Compliant Reusable Sharps Containers

When Sharpsmart first entered the UK market with its signature safety-engineered reusable sharps container, there were no specific UK standards for such a device. However, the landscape shifted in 2019 with the introduction of BS EN ISO 23907-2:2019.

Until recently, only one reusable sharps disposal system stood out as fully compliant with the BS EN ISO 23907-2:2019 standard – The Sharpsmart Reusable Safety Device.

With the market now seeing other reusable options emerging with ISO compliance, it’s crucial to look beyond accreditation alone and understand the overall value of any particular reusable system before making a choice.

This involves focusing on the core values that matter most to any healthcare environment: Safety, Sustainability, Compliance, Efficiency and Education.

Let’s start this exploration with the evolution of sharps container standards in the UK.

The Evolution of Sharps Container Standards in the UK

When reusable sharps containers were introduced in the UK some 24 years ago, it marked a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable approach to sharps waste management.

However, the existing technical requirements at the time primarily focused on single-use containers (BSI Standard 7320:1990).

The lack of specific UK standards for reusables created a potential vulnerability, as it allowed lower-quality systems to enter the market that would otherwise be rejected under global testing standards.

Recognising this gap and its risk potential, the British government, with the active support of forward-thinking manufacturers like Sharpsmart, championed the adoption of international standards. This led to the British Standards Institute (BSI) aligning with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

The first significant step was the adoption of 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, culminating in the 2019 launch of BS EN ISO 23907-2.

These regulations were a crucial step forward, establishing rigorous requirements and test methods to ensure a baseline level of safety and quality for all sharps containers.

What Testing Requirements Are Specific to Reusables?

Because reusable containers are designed for a much longer lifecycle – decades in some cases – they demanded more rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance throughout their usable lifespan.

This demands that the testing process include pre-conditioning to simulate real-world wear and tear (like repeated handling and cleaning) before the actual safety tests are performed.

These pre-tests confirm that even after many uses, the containers will still resist punctures, remain stable, have strong handles, and won’t leak, guaranteeing safety over their entire lifecycle.

Put simply, the BS EN ISO 23907-2 standard confirms the superior design quality of reusable sharps containers by incorporating requirements above and beyond those of single-use containers.

The vital requirements specific to reusable sharps containers include:

Even several of the testing requirements shared by both container types are more stringent for reusables. For example, reusable containers must meet a higher standard than single-use containers for the force required to puncture them

The minimum test requirement for penetration force is:

Also, single-use containers over 12 litres in capacity are not tested in all orientations for damage or leaking after dropping, whereas reusables over 12 litres are tested.

But are all ISO-compliant reusable sharps containers equal?

Why Choose a Proven and Superior Reusable System? 

The ISO standards provide a crucial benchmark and keep reusable sharps containers held to a set standard of cleanliness, safety, and quality, ensuring they perform as intended after each use. These standards are a key reference point for healthcare professionals concerned with the quality of their reusable sharps bins.

But the reality is that not all reusable systems are created equal. Consider this… some ‘reusable’ containers on the market are designed for a very limited number of uses before being incinerated. This fundamentally undermines the sustainability benefits of such reusables and raises questions about their long-term safety and cost-effectiveness compared to systems built for truly extended lifespans.

Take Sharpsmart’s reusable system for example – it’s certified for 500 uses with an average lifespan of over 65 years!

This is just one example of things to consider when weighing up reusable options, especially if your decision-making is being driven by sustainability targets alone – they’re just one part of the puzzle!

Did you know?

Sharpsmart pioneered reusable sharps container technology and was instrumental in the development of the ISO standards.

Whilst others may now claim compliance, our commitment to safe and sustainable sharps disposal goes far beyond meeting a certification. We manufacture safety-engineered devices designed for longevity and ongoing needlestick injury reduction.

Sharpsmart: Delivering Value Across All Five Healthcare Needs

At Sharpsmart, our commitment extends beyond simply providing a reusable bin that ticks a sustainability checkbox. Our entire product offering and service model are meticulously designed to meet the core needs of healthcare professionals and deliver tangible, measurable benefits.

Uncompromising Safety

Sharpsmart reusables are clinically designed with advanced safety features which have a proven track record in significantly reducing sharps injuries. Numerous Independent studies have consistently demonstrated substantial decreases in needlestick incidents and disposal-related injuries following the adoption of Sharpsmart systems.

The Sharpsmart reusable is the only globally available sharps container specifically engineered to reduce Sharps Injuries

Read the peer-reviewed research here.

True Sustainability

With a Net Zero future for healthcare looming ever closer, sustainable solutions are a must-have for every facility. Sharpsmart’s containers eliminate the continuous demand for single-use plastics and cardboard, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Also, our patented effluent retention treatment process diverts sharps waste away from high-temperature incineration, leading to further carbon footprint reduction.

Our circular economy model isn’t new – we’ve been ahead of the curve for decades, ensuring environmental responsibility at every stage of the lifecycle.

Read a peer-reviewed impact on lifecycle carbon assessment of Sharpsmart containers, conducted across 40 NHS Trusts here.

Robust Compliance

Whilst the ISO standards are a vital benchmark, Sharpsmart’s systems are engineered to adhere to the entirety of BS EN ISO 23907-2, including rigorous testing that validated performance over an extended lifespan and the efficacy of our decontamination processes. This ensures ongoing compliance and provides our partners with peace of mind.

We also go beyond that by working within the four walls of your organisation to support clinical staff in ensuring compliance across every healthcare waste stream.

Enhanced Efficiency

Sharpsmart systems are designed for optimal operational efficiency. Our approach leads to a significant reduction in the frequency of container exchanges required for the same volume of sharps waste. This translates directly into valuable labour savings, reducing costs and allowing healthcare staff to focus on patient care.

Empowering Education

We believe that a safe and efficient system is underpinned by knowledge. Sharpsmart provides comprehensive education and training programmes tailored to your specific needs. This ensures the correct and effective use of our systems, maximises safety benefits, and cultivates a culture of best practice in sharps waste management within your organisation.

As you can see, we don’t just offer reusable containers – we provide a holistic solution that addresses the critical needs of healthcare.

Choose the Reusable Sharps Container That Makes Healthcare Safer

Choosing a sharps waste disposal system is an important decision that impacts the safety of your staff and patients, your environmental footprint, and your operational efficiency.

Whilst ISO compliance is critical, it’s essential to look deeper. With Sharpsmart, you get far more than bins and a collection service – we’re driven by the goal of making healthcare safer, challenging long-instilled practices with innovative products and services designed to enhance risk prevention.

So, if you’re interested in making healthcare safer, supporting sustainable initiatives, and improving efficiencies, all whilst remaining compliant, there’s only one choice!

Reach out to us today to learn more about our reusable sharps containers and our fully managed sharps waste disposal service.