How to safely dispose of Mounjaro and Wegovy

Wegovy and Mounjaro pens are classed as medical waste. That means you must properly dispose of them in line with UK regulations.

This is for your safety and for the safety of those who might handle or come into contact with the waste. Proper disposal helps reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and the transmission of viruses and bacterial infections.

It's your responsibility as a patient to follow the proper disposal procedure. Thankfully, the process is quite simple for both needles and pens.

Note: this information is a general guide only. Disposal procedures can differ based on location. Always follow the instructions provided with your medication and check with your pharmacist or healthcare team if you're unsure how to dispose of your pens or needles safely.

How to dispose of Wegovy and Mounjaro needles

1. After each injection, carefully replace the outer needle shield.¹ ²
   
   
2. Put the used needle and shield in your sharps bin. These are special, puncture-proof containers for medical needles. You can get one from your GP or a community pharmacy. Semapen subscribers receive a sharps bin when they sign up.
   
   
3. Close the temporary lid on your sharps bin to prevent accidental access.
   
   
4. When your sharps bin is full, arrange for it to be properly disposed of (see 'What to do when your sharps bin is full'). Never dispose of your sharps bin or its contents in household waste.
   
   

How to dispose of Wegovy and Mounjaro pens

1. Between uses, always store your Wegovy or Mounjaro pen WITH the cap on and WITHOUT a needle attached.¹ ²
   
   
2. When your pen is used up, dispose of it safely in your sharps bin with the final needle attached.
   
   
3. Place the used pen in your sharps bin, without the needle attached.
   
   
4. Close the temporary lid on your sharps bin, or arrange for proper disposal if it's full.
   
   

What to do when your sharps bin is full

You should dispose of your sharps bin when it's between two-thirds and three-quarters full. Many sharps bins have a measurement line marked inside indicating when it's time to arrange disposal.

When the bin is full, seal it permanently using the mechanism provided. This usually takes the form of a final locking lid.

Never try to dispose of the sharps bin yourself or mix it with household waste. You should arrange for it to be disposed of safely by your local authority.

You have several options for this, depending on which services are available locally. For instance, you may be able to arrange collection or take the sharps bin to a designated drop-off point. Check your local council's website for details of disposal procedures in your area.

You can find your local council here.

Dos and don'ts for pen and needle disposal