Public Works

Solid Waste Division

Residential Waste

Business & School Waste

Household Waste Guide


Select a topic:
Search the guide:

Medical Waste & Pharmaceuticals

In the past it was recommended that prescription drugs be flushed down the drain. This is no longer suggested as wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not able to break down the drug and it passes back into the treated water. Alternately, it is legal to place medical waste in the trash, but this, too, presents dangers. The State of Michigan has no regulations for medical waste generated in homes, but generally recommends the following as the best options for disposal.

The Kent County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program does not accept medical waste of any kind.

Disposal: Prescription Drugs

  1. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if he/she will take back old prescription drugs OR
  2. Keep the pharmaceuticals in the original containers since the label may contain safety information, the container is chemically compatible and the caps are generally watertight and child proof. Add a small amount of water to the solid drug and some absorbent material (cat litter, sawdust, dirt) to the liquid drug (or watered-down solid drug) before recapping to discourage unintended use. Double enclose the container in a bag or other waste container to prevent identification of the drug or to prevent a glass container from breaking. Place in the trash.

    *For your own protection, remove your personal information from the label.

Disposal: Sharps/Needles

  1. Obtain a sharps mail-back container from a drug store OR
  2. Obtain a sharps clipper device from your drug store to remove the needle from a syringe OR
  3. Ask if your pharmacist or health care provider will take back your used sharps OR
  4. Contact CleanWorks Harm Reduction Needle Exchange at (616) 456-9063 OR
  5. Place used sharps in a thick plastic container, like an empty bleach or laundry detergent bottle. Clearly mark the outside of the container “Medical Waste” and place in the trash. DO NOT PUT THIS CONTAINER IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN!

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Medical Waste Program

Federal Guidelines for Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs