New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Bureau of Public Outreach
(515) 402-8044 or RX.takeback@dec.ny.gov
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
www.fda.gov
Call the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to find a collection receptacle location
(800) 882-9539
Call the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCCRA)
(315) 453-2866 or info@ocrra.org
Hospital Collection Sites for Sharps in NYS:
www.health.ny.gov
Call your county, municipality or local police department.
Check with your mail order or local pharmacy.
- Every medicine is different and some have specific disposal instructions
- If your medicine is used by someone else, it could cause harm to them.
- Ask your pharmacist/pharmacy before flushing unused medications down the toilet or sink. Some pharmacies may have a “mail-back” or drop off option.
- Ask your local law enforcement department if they have a drop box or drug take back day.
- All hospitals in New York State (except federal facilities) are required to take needles, SHARPS and syringes. If you can’t get to a hospital, check with your trash service to see if you can put them in a “puncture-proof” container that is sealed and labeled.
- If the medicine does not have disposal instructions and you do not have a “take-back” program available: Take the medication out of the bottle and mix with water, used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. Put the mix into a container that can close such as a coffee tin, plastic container or sealable bag and place in your household trash container.
Do not mix unused medications with food. This will prevent human, pet or wildlife consumption.
Do not place needles, SHARPS or syringes in your trash, drop box or mail-back package.