'Sharps' bin for safe disposal of needles, High Wycombe, England, 1994

2 `Sharps' bins, unused, half gallon size by Labco Ltd 1994; Complies with BS7320 1990. For safe disposal of needles

This half-gallon bin was used for the safe disposal of used needles and other sharp objects, protecting both staff and patients from infection. The use of such bins in hospitals received greater emphasis following the appearance of HIV in the 1980s. They are known as ‘Sharps’ bins as well as ‘Cinbins’ as any contents could be destroyed by incineration. The bin was made to British Standards, which were imposed to make sure equipment met health and safety requirements.