Medication and Sharps Takeback program frequently asked questions
Table of Contents
- What if I can't access a medication collection site?
- What if I can’t access a sharps collection kiosk?
- What to do with Chemotherapy drugs?
- What to do with bloody or infectious waste?
- What to do with Marijuana?
- What to do with empty containers?
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't access a medication collection site?
If you can’t access a permanent collection site, visit the DEA’s Take Back Day to see if a collection event might be scheduled in your area. Mail-back envelopes or drug deactivation/disposal pouches can be purchased at some pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist for additional information. If none of these options are available, do not flush medications. Flushing can pollute water supplies. Follow the steps below for proper trash disposal.
- Remove medications from their original containers and place them in a zip-top bag or a sealable container with a secure lid (make sure you remove pill labels or cross out any identifying information, and recycle or dispose of the bottles separately).
- Do not crush or attempt to dissolve pills and capsules.
- Mix with something that can’t be eaten, like kitty litter or coffee grounds.
- Wrap the bag or container in newspaper or a plain brown bag to conceal its contents.
- Place it in your trash on the day it is picked up, or take it to a landfill.
What if I can’t access a sharps collection kiosk?
If you can’t access a permanent sharps collection site, check whether a local or national takeback collection event is scheduled in your area, or ask your pharmacist for additional information. If none of these options is available, do not place loose sharps in your trash or flush them down the toilet.
Follow the steps below for proper trash disposal.
- Use a sharps container purchased from a pharmacy or another source, or a strong plastic container (HDPE with the #2 recycling symbol) with a screw-top lid. Used laundry detergent bottles work well. Never use paper or plastic milk jugs. They can puncture. Never use glass containers. They can break and worsen the hazard.
- Never put a container of sharps in with recyclables. Sharps are not recyclable, and not only can they pose an infection risk to workers at recycling facilities, but they can also render whole batches of recyclables unusable.
- Used needles/sharps should never be placed loosely in the trash or flushed down the toilet.
- Containers of sharps should be clearly labeled as “Sharps” or "Biohazard Waste.”
- Once filled, the container should be firmly sealed (tape the lid) to prevent spillage.
- Store the sealed sharps container out of reach of children and pets.
- Place the sealed sharps container in the trash on the day it gets picked up or taken to a landfill.
What to do with Chemotherapy drugs?
Our program does not accept Chemotherapy drugs. If you have undergone treatment with radioactive pharmaceuticals for a disease like thyroid cancer, some waste you produce may be contaminated with residual radiation. Certain wastes may have to be temporarily stored before placing them out with your trash. You and your caregiver should closely follow your doctor's instructions for waste disposal.
What to do with bloody or infectious waste?
Our program does not accept bloody or infectious waste. For soiled bandages, dressings, and disposable sheets, place them in securely fastened plastic bags before putting them in household trash. Trash containing these potentially infectious wastes should be stored out of the reach of children and pets until it can be picked up or taken to a landfill.
What to do with Marijuana?
Our program does not accept Marijuana. Unused marijuana and marijuana-infused products that were obtained by an individual for recreational or medical use may be disposed of by placing them in household trash or taken to a landfill. The marijuana must be rendered unrecognizable and mixed with other items of trash. Place in the garbage the day it is picked up, or take it to a landfill.
What to do with empty containers?
Our program does not accept empty containers. Empty containers should be recycled, if possible. Check the lists of acceptable recyclables provided by your curbside recycling service or local recycling program. Non-recyclable items should be placed in household trash or taken to a landfill. Strike personal information (i.e., patient name and prescription number) from prescription pill bottles before recycling or trashing them.