Safe Medicine Disposal

Safe disposal options for needles and syringes

Household generated “sharps” include hypodermic needles, syringes, and lancets. They are typically used in the home for insulin injection or for administering medications to treat other chronic diseases such as allergies, arthritis, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis B, and HIV.

Managing and disposing of household generated sharps safely reduces pollution to the environment and prevents injury and disease transmission from needle-sticks.

Never leave needles or syringes on streets, in parks, or anywhere else where they could injure someone.

Click here for a PDF from the Ohio EPA on Sharps Disposal

Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines

Is your medicine cabinet filled with expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How should you dispose of them?

Most drugs can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take certain precautions before tossing them out, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A few drugs should be flushed down the toilet. And a growing number of community-based "take-back" programs offer another safe disposal alternative.

Note: The next Richland County "Prescription Drug Take Back Day" is April 28 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Solid Waste Management Facility. Click here for the flyer and more information.

Click Here for a PDF on Drug Disposal from the Food & Drug Administration

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