Needle Sweep

At Cleaning 24x7, we provide safe, compliant, and discreet needle sweep and sharps removal services and across the UK.

Cleaning 24x7 protects public spaces, private properties, and commercial environments from the risks posed by discarded syringes and drug-related waste.

Our trained teams locate, collect, and dispose of used needles, sharps, and biohazard materials using approved methods and professional safety equipment.

Whether attending parks, abandoned buildings, social housing units, or high-footfall commercial areas, we ensure each site is restored to a safe condition while minimising health risks and maintaining confidentiality.

What Does a Needle Sweep Involve and How Does It Support Public Safety?

A needle sweep involves the systematic detection, removal, and disposal of used needles, syringes, and sharp objects from public or private locations to eliminate the risk of injury or infection.

These services are essential in areas impacted by drug activity, squatting, homelessness, or unauthorised access. Discarded sharps can transmit bloodborne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B or C, posing serious dangers to the public, workers, and children.

Professional needle sweeps remove contamination, uphold hygiene standards, and reduce the legal and health liabilities associated with sharps exposure.

Where Are Needle Sweeps Most Frequently Required?

Needle sweeps are commonly carried out in:

• Abandoned or squatted properties – Clear areas affected by drug activity.

• Public toilets and stairwells – Remove sharps left in hidden or high-traffic spaces.

• Parks, alleyways, and underpasses – Protect public areas frequently used or accessed.

• Retail service areas and loading bays – Address contamination behind units or bins.

• Housing association properties – Prior to tenant changes, repossessions, or evictions.

• Transport hubs and open green spaces – Ensure safety across community facilities.

How Much Does Professional Needle Collection and Disposal Cost?

The cost of needle sweep services starts at £95 for small residential callouts and exceed £500 for larger or heavily contaminated environments such as parks, derelict buildings, or multi-unit housing blocks.

Pricing depends on the number of sharps found, contamination severity, site access, and the need for additional services such as biohazard cleaning or sharps-bin deployment. Emergency callouts and out-of-hours work may increase costs.

Contact Cleaning 24x7 to get customised prices for arranging a needle sweep at your property.

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Do Needle Removal Teams Follow Approved Biohazard Safety Procedures?

Professional needle sweep teams follow strict biohazard management protocols set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority standards.

Operatives use puncture-resistant gloves, sharps tools, and approved clinical waste containers to prevent direct contact. All collected items are treated as hazardous waste and disposed of at licensed facilities, with full documentation and risk assessments provided for compliance and auditing.

How Quickly Can a Needle Sweep Be Carried Out?

Needle sweep response times typically range from one to four hours for emergency situations, with same-day services available for high-risk public areas.

Scheduled sweeps for housing, commercial properties, or redevelopment sites can usually be arranged within 24–48 hours. Providers prioritise urgent cases to minimise risk to residents, employees, and the public.

What PPE and Equipment Are Used During Needle Sweep Operations?

During needle sweep operations, operatives use:

• Sharps grabbers or tongs – For safe, non-contact handling of needles.

• Puncture-resistant gloves and boots – To prevent accidental injury.

• Protective coveralls and eye protection – For contaminated or high-risk sites.

• UN-approved sharps containers – For secure temporary storage and transport.

• UV lights or inspection mirrors – To locate sharps in concealed or hard-to-access areas.

Can Private Landowners Request Needle Sweeps for Vacant or High-Risk Sites?

Private landowners, estate managers, and property agents frequently request needle sweep services for vacant plots, derelict buildings, or properties affected by squatting or drug activity.

Sweeps ensure the area is safe for future tenants, contractors, or redevelopment, and providers can issue clearance certificates or reports where required.

Are Collected Needles Disposed of Safely and Legally?

All removed needles and sharps are transported and disposed of through licensed clinical waste channels in line with UK hazardous waste regulations.

Items are sealed in approved containers, transferred to authorised facilities, and incinerated or processed according to environmental and legal standards. Providers maintain full audit trails, including waste transfer notes and consignment documentation, to ensure full compliance.

Contact Cleaning 24x7 for a consultation on arranging a needle sweep or sharps removal service.

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