How to safely recycle your Mounjaro or Wegovy pens

In the UK, demand for weight-loss injection pens like Mounjaro and Wegovy has surged dramatically. Pharmacies are now selling around 40,000 pens of both brands each month, reflecting a nationwide trend towards using these medications for obesity management

The NHS and private clinics have seen unprecedented interest, with both drugs sometimes facing supply shortages due to their popularity

What Are Mounjaro and Wegovy Pens?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are injectable medications designed for weight loss and, in some cases, diabetes management. Both come in pre-filled, single-use pens that patients inject once a week, typically into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm

These pens are easy to use and have helped many people manage their weight with minimal side effectsFor more details on how these pens work and how to use them, you can visit the official Mounjaro or Wegovy information pages

How much weight do people lose?

People taking these drugs typically start to lose weight within a few weeks.

A first head-to-head trial of the two drugs suggested that Mounjaro is more effective than rival Wegovy.

Both drugs led to substantial weight loss, but Mounjaro’s 20% weight reduction, after 72 weeks of treatment, exceeded the 14% from Wegovy.

The trial, which was paid for by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, involved 750 obese people, with an average weight of 113kg (nearly 18 stone).

Previous clinical studies suggested that – when combined with changes to their diet, exercise and behavioural support – Wegovy users could lose more than 10% of their body weight after a year on the treatment. Other trials also suggested Mounjaro users might lose up to a fifth of their weight.

Crucially, users of either drug can put weight back on once they stop treatment

The Problem of Single-Use Pens

While these pens are convenient for patients, they come with a significant downside: they are single-use and made mostly of plastic. After the medication is finished, the pen and needle are thrown away. With tens of thousands of pens used every month, this adds up to a large amount of plastic waste

Like other disposable plastic products, these pens do not biodegrade and can persist in landfills for hundreds of years, contributing to environmental pollution and the growing problem of microplastics

Health Hazards from Improper Disposal

Used injection pens and needles are not just an environmental concern-they are also a health hazard. If not disposed of properly, needles can injure sanitation workers or others who come into contact with household waste. There’s also a risk of accidental needle-stick injuries, which can transmit infections

For these reasons, it’s important never to throw used needles or pens with attached needles into regular rubbish bins.

How to Safely Recycle or Dispose of Your Mounjaro or Wegovy Pens

• Remove the Needle Safely: After your injection, always remove the needle from the pen and place it in a proper sharps disposal container. Never throw needles directly into household trash
  
• Dispose of the Pen: Once the pen is empty and the needle is removed, you can usually dispose of the pen device in your regular household waste, unless local guidelines say otherwise make sure the pen is completely empty.
  
• Use a Sharps Container: If you don’t have a special sharps container, you can use a heavy-duty plastic container (like an empty detergent bottle) with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid. Label it clearly as “SHARPS”
  
• Follow Local Guidelines: Some communities have special collection sites for sharps, such as pharmacies, hospitals, or local health departments. Check your local council’s website for details on safe disposal in your area
  
• Do Not Recycle or Flush: Never recycle used pens or needles, and never flush them down the toilet or drain
  

What Are Providers Doing?

Healthcare providers and pharmacies are increasingly aware of the disposal problem. Some offer take-back programs or provide sharps containers for patients. Always ask your pharmacist or doctor about the safest way to dispose of your pens and needles, and whether they offer any collection or mail-back services

For more information about using and safely disposing of your Mounjaro or Wegovy pens, you can visit SheMed’s official website. SheMed provides detailed guidance on how to use your pen, including step-by-step instructions and safety tips for handling and discarding needles and pens. Their support page is especially helpful for understanding best practices and ensuring you follow safe disposal methods

SheMed offers a comprehensive package. For £99 in your first month, SheMed provides:

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  A starter pack with your medication
  
  
  
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  An included blood test kit to ensure safe and personalised treatment
  
  
  
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  Progress tracking, monthly clinical reviews, and symptom management
  
  
  
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  Sharps bin, needles, and women’s health resources
  
  
  

If your blood test results mean you can’t join the programme, SheMed refunds the £99 in full. This offer makes it easy and safe to start your weight loss journey with the added assurance of medical oversight and all necessary supplies included

Conclusion

Mounjaro and Wegovy pens are changing how people in the UK manage obesity, but their single-use design creates environmental and health challenges. By following safe disposal steps-removing needles, using sharps containers, and following local guidelines-you can help protect both people and the planet.