Bureaucracy

SIR, — I am a diabetic, recently dependent on insulin. The needles I use are small and encased in plastic. I had been saving my needles (sharps) in a strongbox. When I took it to the chemist requesting that they dispose of it, they said they were not allo

SIR, - I am a diabetic, recently dependent on insulin. The needles I use are small and encased in plastic. I had been saving my needles (sharps) in a strongbox. When I took it to the chemist requesting that they dispose of it, they said they were not allowed to take it - it was unsafe to store them at the pharmacy.

The pharmacist thought I would have to contact the district council and gave me a phone number. She also suggested that I take the box to my doctor - but there again they are not allowed to take it.

I phoned the council. The required the needles to be stored in a safe box. Where do I get the box? Complete a council form, which would be sent immediately. Then apply to my doctor for a prescription for a box. The pharmacy would then provide the box. Then I would phone the council on Monday or Friday for the box to be collected on Wednesday.

I now have the bright yellow box with a label on the outside stating: Contaminated sharps only - "danger" destroy by incineration.

On the Wednesday I am instructed to "please place the clinical waste items on your doorstep by 7am on the morning of collection".

Presumably that's where they are the safest.

ANN NADIM,

Jersey Farm, St Albans.