Global Sharps Containers Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In June 2018, Toter, LLC launched a specialized 35-gallon medical waste cart, engineered to support efficient waste disposal across a wide range of healthcare environments. This durable and versatile solution is designed to safely handle both infectious and non-infectious medical waste, making it suitable for hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other medical facilities aiming to improve their compliance with healthcare waste management standards.

• In July 2016, the MAUSER Group announced its acquisition of Daniels Healthcare Group, a leading manufacturer and supplier of medical waste containers specifically designed for use in hospitals, surgical centers, and the broader clinical waste management sector. This strategic move strengthened MAUSER’s position in the healthcare waste solutions market, expanding its portfolio to better serve the growing demand for specialized, compliant disposal systems across critical medical environments.

In this report, the Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Product, Waste Type, usage Type, Waste Generator, Container Size, Distribution Channel and Geography.

Global Sharps Containers Market , Segmentation by Product

The Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Product into Patient Room Containers, Phlebotomy Containers and Multipurpose Containers.

Patient Room Containers: A Vital Component in Healthcare Waste Management

Patient room containers are an essential element of the sharps containers market, particularly in healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. These specialized containers play a pivotal role in safely disposing of needles, syringes, and other sharp instruments used during patient care. As strict regulations around infection control become increasingly prevalent, the demand for patient room containers is expected to maintain a steady rise. In fact, the market for these containers is growing steadily, with healthcare facilities placing greater emphasis on safety and compliance.

Phlebotomy Containers: Safeguarding Against Needlestick Injuries

Phlebotomy containers are another crucial segment of the sharps containers market. Phlebotomy, the practice of drawing blood for testing or donation, generates significant amounts of sharps waste, which must be disposed of carefully to prevent accidental injuries. Dedicated phlebotomy containers are specifically designed to minimize needlestick injuries among healthcare professionals, ensuring a safe and secure disposal process. As the demand for blood tests and donations continues to rise, the market for phlebotomy containers is set for continued growth.

Multipurpose Containers: Versatility in Sharps Waste Disposal

Multipurpose containers are an increasingly popular option in the sharps container market due to their ability to handle a wide variety of sharps waste, including needles, lancets, scalpels, and more. These containers offer the convenience of accommodating multiple types of medical waste in a single solution, making them ideal for various healthcare environments. Their versatility is driving growth, with demand increasing from hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings that require a flexible and efficient sharps disposal solution.

Global Sharps Containers Market , Segmentation by Waste Type

The Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Waste Type into Infectious & Pathological Waste, Pharmaceutical Waste, Sharps Waste and Non-infectious & Other Waste.

Infectious & Pathological Waste: Managing Health Risks with Specialized Containers

Infectious & pathological waste makes up a significant portion of the sharps containers market, as it includes materials contaminated with harmful pathogens, such as blood products, cultures, and tissues. Due to the high potential for spreading infections, regulations mandate that these materials are properly contained and disposed of using specialized containers. This growing concern for health and safety has led to a surge in demand for sharps containers tailored for infectious waste, contributing substantially to the market's expansion. With increasing awareness and regulations, this segment is expected to see a steady rise in demand across healthcare facilities globally.

Pharmaceutical Waste: Secure Disposal to Protect Public Health

Pharmaceutical waste is another vital segment within the sharps containers market. This includes expired or unused medications, vaccines, and chemotherapy drugs that need to be disposed of in a secure and environmentally responsible manner. Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can lead to contamination of the environment and pose serious public health risks. Specialized sharps containers designed for pharmaceutical waste ensure safe containment and disposal, driving growth in this market segment. With the continued expansion of the global pharmaceutical industry, the demand for dedicated containers for pharmaceutical waste will keep increasing.

Sharps Waste: A Core Element in Safe Healthcare Disposal

Sharps waste—comprising needles, syringes, and other sharp medical instruments—remains a core element in the sharps containers market. Healthcare facilities, clinics, and laboratories generate significant quantities of sharps waste every day. Safe disposal of these items is critical to prevent needle-stick injuries, the transmission of bloodborne diseases, and contamination of the environment. Sharps containers are designed specifically to securely hold and transport sharps waste, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and the public. As medical practices evolve, the demand for sharps waste disposal solutions continues to grow, making this segment one of the largest in the market.

Non-Infectious & Other Waste: Comprehensive Waste Management Solutions

Non-infectious & other waste includes medical items like gauze, bandages, gloves, and other non-contaminated supplies. While these materials present a lower risk of infection, their proper disposal is still necessary to prevent environmental harm and ensure hygienic standards in healthcare settings. Sharps containers designed for non-infectious waste offer healthcare providers a safe and effective way to manage this type of waste stream. This segment, while smaller compared to infectious and sharps waste, is gaining traction as healthcare providers increasingly seek comprehensive waste management solutions for their facilities.

Global Sharps Containers Market , Segmentation by usage Type

The Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by usage Type into Reusable Containers and Disposable Containers.

Reusable Containers: A Sustainable, Cost-Effective Choice for Healthcare

Reusable containers are becoming an increasingly popular solution in healthcare settings, largely due to their eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness over time. Made from durable materials such as plastic or metal, these containers are designed to be sterilized and reused multiple times. For healthcare facilities that generate a significant volume of sharps waste, reusable containers offer a sustainable and economically advantageous alternative. With long-term use, these containers reduce operational costs by minimizing the need for frequent disposal. In fact, the shift towards reusable containers is growing, with a notable increase in their adoption by healthcare facilities, particularly those focused on sustainability.

Disposable Containers: Convenience for Smaller or Temporary Healthcare Settings

On the other hand, disposable containers provide healthcare facilities with a simple, convenient, and low-maintenance disposal solution. Typically made from puncture-resistant materials like polypropylene, these containers are designed for single use and do not require cleaning or sterilization. This makes them ideal for smaller healthcare environments or temporary setups where the volume of sharps waste doesn't justify the investment in reusable containers. Disposable containers also play a vital role in minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission, providing a safe option for settings with high-risk activities. Currently, disposable containers dominate the sharps containers market in smaller facilities, accounting for a substantial share of demand.

Balancing Reusable and Disposable Containers: Tailoring Solutions to Healthcare Needs

Both reusable and disposable containers are indispensable in ensuring the safe disposal of sharps and the protection of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. The decision between using reusable or disposable containers generally depends on factors like the amount of sharps waste generated, budget limitations, and the sustainability goals of healthcare institutions. With evolving regulations stressing the importance of safe sharps waste disposal, the demand for both types of containers is expected to increase. The adoption of each option will depend on regional healthcare practices, environmental concerns, and specific operational needs.

Global Sharps Containers Market , Segmentation by Waste Generator

The Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Waste Generator into Hospitals, Clinics & Physicians Offices, Pharmaceutical Companies, Long-term Care & Urgent Care Centers, Pharmacies and Others.

Hospitals: Leading the Demand for Sharps Waste Disposal

Hospitals play a key role in the global demand for sharps containers due to their extensive operations and the wide variety of medical procedures they perform. These healthcare institutions are among the largest generators of sharps waste, producing significant quantities daily. As a result, hospitals make up a major portion of the sharps container market, accounting for approximately 40-45% of the total demand. The need for safe disposal of sharps waste in hospitals is paramount, as it helps to prevent the risk of needlestick injuries and the transmission of infectious diseases among both healthcare workers and patients.

Clinics & Physicians' Offices: A Growing Source of Sharps Waste

Clinics and physicians' offices contribute to the sharps container market, though not at the scale of hospitals. However, with the increasing number of such healthcare facilities globally, these establishments represent a steady and growing demand for sharps disposal solutions. These clinics, whether general practices or specialized care centers, produce sharps waste during various medical procedures and treatments. Clinics and physicians' offices account for around 20-25% of the market, and their continued expansion ensures that demand for sharps containers remains strong.

Pharmaceutical Companies: Regulatory Compliance and Safe Disposal

Pharmaceutical companies are another critical segment driving demand for sharps containers. In their operations, which include research, development, manufacturing, and distribution, pharmaceutical companies frequently use needles and other sharp medical devices. Proper disposal of these sharps is necessary to comply with stringent regulatory guidelines and maintain a safe working environment. Pharmaceutical companies account for roughly 10-15% of sharps container market demand, with the ongoing growth of the pharmaceutical sector further boosting this segment.

Long-Term Care, Urgent Care Centers, Pharmacies, and Other Healthcare Facilities: A Diverse Range of Contributors

Other healthcare facilities such as long-term care centers, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers also contribute significantly to the sharps container market. Long-term care facilities, which provide ongoing medical assistance to individuals with chronic conditions, and urgent care centers, which handle non-life-threatening medical issues, generate sharps waste regularly. Pharmacies contribute to sharps waste through vaccine administration and medication procedures. Additionally, other healthcare settings like blood banks and diagnostic labs also require safe sharps waste disposal solutions. Collectively, these segments account for an additional 20-25% of the market demand for sharps containers.

Global Sharps Containers Market , Segmentation by Container Size

The Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Container Size into 12 Gallons, 24 Gallons, 48 Gallons and Other Sizes.

12-Gallon Sharps Containers: Compact, Efficient, and Essential for Smaller Healthcare Settings

The 12-gallon sharps container segment is vital for addressing the need for compact yet effective sharps disposal in smaller healthcare settings. These containers are ideal for clinics, laboratories, and healthcare environments where space is at a premium, but safe sharps disposal is a top priority. Their size also makes them well-suited for ambulatory care settings and home healthcare, where compact solutions are necessary. The 12-gallon containers make up approximately 20-25% of the sharps container market, serving smaller medical establishments and home care environments with a moderate volume of sharps waste.

24-Gallon Sharps Containers: A Perfect Middle Ground for Mid-Sized Facilities

The 24-gallon sharps container category strikes the perfect balance between storage capacity and container size. These containers are widely preferred in mid-sized healthcare facilities such as outpatient centers and hospitals, where the volume of sharps waste requires a container with a larger capacity than the 12-gallon option. Their increased capacity allows for fewer emptying cycles and better operational efficiency. This segment, which makes up around 35-40% of the market, plays a crucial role in healthcare facilities that require efficient, reliable sharps waste disposal solutions without frequent maintenance.

48-Gallon Sharps Containers: Large Capacity for High-Volume Healthcare Facilities

The 48-gallon sharps container segment is designed for large-scale healthcare facilities that generate high volumes of sharps waste. These containers reduce the need for frequent emptying and minimize the risk of overfilling, making them ideal for hospitals, large medical centers, and facilities with high patient traffic. The 48-gallon containers offer ample storage capacity while ensuring compliance with safety and hygiene standards. Representing around 30-35% of the market, these larger containers are favored for their durability and enhanced safety features, including secure locking mechanisms that help prevent accidental spills and needlestick injuries.

Global Sharps Containers Market , Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Direct Sale, Retail Sale and Online Sale.

Direct Sales: A Key Channel for Customized Solutions and Efficient Service

Direct sales continue to be a dominant distribution method in the sharps containers market. Through direct sales, manufacturers can offer tailored solutions and provide bulk discounts to healthcare facilities, laboratories, and other end-users. This approach fosters direct communication between manufacturers and buyers, ensuring efficient delivery and excellent customer support services. As a result, direct sales are responsible for approximately 40-45% of the overall sharps containers market demand, delivering a high level of customer satisfaction and fostering loyalty.

Retail Sales: Accessibility and Convenience for Smaller Healthcare Facilities

Retail sales are another significant channel for sharps containers, especially for individuals and smaller healthcare settings. Pharmacies, medical supply stores, and supermarkets offer a variety of sharps containers, providing accessibility and convenience for customers who need sharps containers for personal use or smaller medical practices. Retail sales are estimated to contribute 25-30% of the market share, with this channel continuing to thrive as it provides a practical option for customers who may not require large quantities of sharps containers.

Online Sales: The Rise of E-commerce in Sharps Container Distribution

As e-commerce continues to expand, online sales have become one of the fastest-growing distribution channels for sharps containers. Online platforms provide customers with the convenience of browsing a wide array of products and making purchases from home or the office. Moreover, online retailers often offer competitive pricing, discounts, and home delivery, further enhancing the appeal of this distribution method. Online sales now account for approximately 25-30% of the sharps container market, and their share continues to grow as consumers increasingly turn to digital solutions for their medical supply needs.

Global Sharps Containers Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Sharps Containers Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Sharps Containers Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America: Leading the Global Sharps Containers Market

North America dominates the sharps containers market, accounting for approximately 40-45% of the global demand. This dominance is attributed to strict regulations governing medical waste disposal, as well as the high occurrence of needlestick injuries in healthcare environments. The region's advanced healthcare infrastructure and heightened awareness regarding safe disposal practices among healthcare workers further contribute to the growing demand for sharps containers.

Europe: Strong Market Growth and Adoption

Europe closely follows North America, holding around 30-35% of the sharps containers market share. The region's robust healthcare system, combined with stringent medical waste management regulations, supports strong demand for sharps containers. Growing concerns about the risks of needlestick injuries and infections among healthcare professionals have accelerated the adoption of sharps containers across Europe. Government initiatives and healthcare organizations are actively promoting safe disposal practices, which continue to foster market expansion.

Asia Pacific: Rapid Growth and Emerging Demand

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience considerable growth in the sharps containers market in the coming years. This growth is driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and increased healthcare spending. Additionally, the implementation of infection control practices and medical waste management regulations is expected to significantly boost the adoption of sharps containers in the region. By the end of the forecast period, Asia Pacific is expected to represent about 15-20% of the global market.

Middle East and Africa: Contributing to Market Expansion

The Middle East and Africa region is expected to contribute to the sharps containers market, albeit at a more moderate pace. The increase in healthcare facilities, rising awareness about medical waste disposal, and government-led initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure are driving market growth. However, economic challenges and limited access to healthcare in certain areas may slow the rate of expansion. This region is anticipated to account for 5-10% of the global sharps containers market.

Latin America: A Growing Demand for Safe Sharps Disposal

Latin America represents an emerging market for sharps containers, fueled by improving healthcare infrastructure, rising healthcare expenditures, and a growing emphasis on infection control. Government programs aimed at improving healthcare facilities and promoting safe disposal practices are further driving the demand for sharps containers. The Latin American market is expected to account for 5-10% of the global market, indicating a steady increase in demand as the region develops.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Sharps Containers Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers:

• Healthcare waste management regulations
• Rising awareness of needlestick injuries
• Growing demand for safe disposal

• Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases- The global sharps containers market is experiencing substantial growth, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders often require frequent medical interventions, including injections, infusions, and blood draws. Consequently, the need for reliable sharps disposal solutions has surged, as healthcare facilities prioritize the safe handling of needles, syringes, and other sharp medical instruments.With a growing focus on infection control and patient safety, healthcare providers are investing in high-quality sharps containers to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and the transmission of bloodborne pathogens among both healthcare workers and patients.

  The expanding geriatric population is another significant driver of market growth. Elderly individuals often require regular medical care and are more susceptible to chronic health conditions, necessitating frequent use of sharp instruments. Similarly, the rising incidence of infectious diseases globally further contributes to the increasing demand for safe sharps disposal practices.

  The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of proper medical waste management. Heightened awareness around the safe disposal of sharps has led healthcare facilities to adopt stringent safety protocols and invest in advanced sharps container solutions. These efforts not only aim to protect healthcare personnel but also ensure broader public health safety.

Restraints:

• High cost of sharps containers
• Limited accessibility in rural areas
• Environmental concerns over disposal methods

• Potential risk of needle reuse- The global sharps containers market is experiencing robust growth, fueled primarily by rising awareness about the importance of safe disposal of medical sharps waste. Sharps containers are critical in healthcare environments, offering a safe and secure way to dispose of needles, syringes, and other sharp medical instruments.

  The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, combined with the rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure worldwide, is contributing significantly to the growing demand for sharps containers. Moreover, stringent regulations governing medical waste disposal and initiatives aimed at preventing needlestick injuries among healthcare workers are further propelling market expansion. Advancements in sharps container technology, such as puncture-resistant materials and tamper-evident closures, are enhancing safety and regulatory compliance, making these containers even more essential across healthcare facilities.

  Despite the widespread adoption of sharps containers, the risk of needle reuse remains a concern within healthcare settings. Improper disposal practices can lead to needlestick injuries, exposing both healthcare workers and patients to serious bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.Several factors contribute to improper disposal, including inadequate training, lack of awareness, and complacency. In resource-constrained settings or during emergencies, healthcare workers may be forced to reuse needles due to shortages or logistical challenges.

  Effectively addressing the issue of needle reuse requires comprehensive education and training programs, as well as strict adherence to established protocols for the safe disposal of medical sharps waste. Additionally, utilizing technologies such as barcode tracking systems and point-of-use disposal containers can significantly mitigate risks. These solutions help ensure that proper disposal practices are consistently followed, enhancing overall safety within healthcare environments.

Opportunities:

• Technological advancements in container design
• Emerging markets in developing countries
• Expansion of healthcare infrastructure

• Collaborations for sustainable solutions- The global sharps containers market has experienced notable growth in recent years, largely fueled by increasing awareness about the critical importance of proper sharps waste disposal in healthcare settings. As the global prevalence of chronic diseases rises and healthcare infrastructure continues to expand, the demand for safe and effective sharps disposal solutions is surging.

  In response to this growing need, collaborations among key industry players have become more prevalent. These partnerships aim to create sustainable solutions that not only address immediate safety concerns but also focus on reducing the long-term environmental impact of medical waste. Manufacturers, waste management companies, regulatory bodies, and healthcare providers are pooling their resources and expertise to drive innovation in the design, production, and recycling capabilities of sharps containers.

  These collaborations go beyond product innovation. They encompass educational initiatives, regulatory compliance programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting environmentally responsible practices throughout the healthcare sector. By working collectively, stakeholders are able to implement comprehensive strategies that ensure sustainability throughout the product lifecycle—from manufacturing and distribution to usage and disposal.Through strategic partnerships and collective action, the sharps containers industry is advancing toward a more sustainable future. The goal is to minimize the environmental impact of medical waste while safeguarding the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients, and communities worldwide.

Key players in Global Sharps Containers Market include:

• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
• Sharps Compliance, Inc
• Henry Schein, Inc
• Daniels Health
• Stericycle, Inc
• Covidien
• MAUSER Group
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc
• EnviroTain
• Remcon Plastics, Inc

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis