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Safe Disposal of Sharps & Medication

Throwing used needles or expired drugs in household trash puts family, sanitation workers, and the environment at risk. Follow these guidelines every time.

Sharps Disposal (Needles, Syringes, Pens)​

“Sharps” means any used needle, syringe (mixing or injection), or single-use pen.

warning

NEVER recap a used needle. Most accidental needlesticks happen during recapping.

  1. Immediate disposal: Drop the entire used item straight into an FDA-cleared sharps container as soon as you finish the injection or mixing step.
  2. Choose the right container: Use only a puncture-resistant plastic container with a tight, leak-proof lid that is labelled for sharps.
  3. Do not overfill: Stop using the container when it reaches about ¾ full.
  4. Seal it: Close the lid securely (tape it if instructed).
  5. Final disposal: Rules vary by region.
    • Do not place the sealed container in household trash or recycling unless your local program allows it.
    • Contact your local waste authority, health department, or pharmacy for instructions.
    • Common options include:
      • Designated drop-off boxes (hospitals, pharmacies, health clinics, fire stations)
      • Household hazardous-waste collection sites
      • Mail-back programs supplied by pharmacies or container makers
      • Special pick-up services
    • In the United States, SafeNeedleDisposal.org lists state-specific options. Users elsewhere should check local government websites.

Medication Disposal (Vials & Tablets)​

  • Used single-dose vials (Path B): After withdrawing the dose, place the empty vial (and any leftover liquid) in household trash. Peel off or black out personal details first.
  • Expired or unused reconstituted peptide vials (Path C): Discard in household trash after removing labels.
  • Unused or expired tablets (e.g., Rybelsus®):
    • Do not flush unless a reliable source specifically permits it (GLP-1 tablets are not on the FDA flush list).
    • Prefer a medication take-back program at a pharmacy, police station, or community event.
    • If no take-back option exists, follow these steps:
      1. Mix tablets (whole, not crushed) with an unpalatable substance such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter.
      2. Seal the mixture in a plastic bag or other container.
      3. Put the sealed container in household trash.
    • Remove or obscure personal information on the empty bottle before discarding it.