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Used weight-loss drug needles flood UK recycling centers

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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The rise in injectable weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy is sending used needles to UK recycling centres.
Supervisor Paul Pagett said a sharps container arrived after a resident placed it in a wheelie bin.
Richard Dobbs of Sherborne Recycling said safe disposal routes exist, but recycling is the worst place.
Coventry recycling workers risk injury and infection from needles that should go to clinical waste services.

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The rise in injectable weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy is sending used needles to UK recycling centres.
Supervisor Paul Pagett said a sharps container arrived after a resident placed it in a wheelie bin.
Richard Dobbs of Sherborne Recycling said safe disposal routes exist, but recycling is the worst place.
Coventry recycling workers risk injury and infection from needles that should go to clinical waste services.