Hazardous Medical Waste Disposal

Syringes & Medication

Improper disposal of used syringes or sharps and medication can have harmful impacts on the sanitation workers that service our community and on our local natural resources. Syringes can cause injury or infection to the workers handling our waste. Medications flushed down the toilet or dumped down the storm drain pollute our rivers and lakes which serve as drinking water resources and wildlife habitat.

What to Do with Syringes

• Never throw loose needles in the trash or recycling bin.
• Place needles and syringes in a hard plastic or metal container with a tightly secured lid. Label the container syringes, needles or sharps. A laundry detergent bottle may be used. Reinforce the lid with heavy duty tape.
• Dispose of the container in household trash. Do not place in a recycling bin.

What to Do with Prescription and Over- the- Counter Medication

Residents can take old or unused medications to a drop box located in the lobby of the Public Safety Building, 1305 E. Broad St. during business hours Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Do not flush medication down the toilet or drain unless the label specifically instructs you to do so.
• Mix the  medications (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds.  Place the mixture in a container such as a zip-lock or sealable plastic bag, and throw the container away in your household trash.
• Do not place in a recycling bin.
• Bring medications to the Public Safety Building, 1305 E. Broad St., and drop into the Drug Take Back receptacle in the lobby.