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Green Orbyt

Sharps & Medications

Hazardous material

Never put loose needles, syringes, or unused medications in household trash or recycling, or flush medications unless the FDA specifically lists that drug as safe to flush. Used needles belong in an FDA-cleared sharps container; unused medications belong at a DEA-authorized take-back location, a pharmacy mail-back envelope, or a periodic Drug Take-Back Day event.

Curbside recycling?

No

Never place loose sharps or medications in curbside trash, recycling, or the toilet. Sharps must go in a puncture-resistant container first; medications go to a take-back location.

Safety note

A loose needle or syringe can cause a puncture injury and potentially transmit disease to sanitation workers and household members. Use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (or, if unavailable, a heavy-duty plastic container like a detergent bottle) and never reuse or overfill it.

How to prepare it

  • Put used needles and syringes immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps container, or a heavy-duty plastic household container with a tight-fitting lid if one isn't available
  • Once a sharps container is about three-quarters full, follow your community's specific instructions for getting rid of it, don't keep filling it past that point
  • Keep medications in their original containers when bringing them to a take-back location, and check the FDA's flush list before flushing any medication yourself

Common fees

Free at DEA-authorized take-back locations and Drug Take-Back Day events. Some pharmacy mail-back envelopes for medications are sold, not free.

Quantity limits

Not confirmed

Residency restrictions

Not confirmed

Appointment required?

No appointment needed at a permanent DEA-authorized collection site during its normal hours; Drug Take-Back Day events run on specific scheduled dates.

Transporting it safely

Transport a sharps container upright and sealed, never loose in a bag or pocket.

Verified nearby locations

Frequently asked questions

Where can I recycle sharps & medications?
Never put loose needles, syringes, or unused medications in household trash or recycling, or flush medications unless the FDA specifically lists that drug as safe to flush. Used needles belong in an FDA-cleared sharps container; unused medications belong at a DEA-authorized take-back location, a pharmacy mail-back envelope, or a periodic Drug Take-Back Day event.
Can sharps & medications go in curbside recycling?
Never place loose sharps or medications in curbside trash, recycling, or the toilet. Sharps must go in a puncture-resistant container first; medications go to a take-back location.
Is there a safety concern with sharps & medications?
A loose needle or syringe can cause a puncture injury and potentially transmit disease to sanitation workers and household members. Use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (or, if unavailable, a heavy-duty plastic container like a detergent bottle) and never reuse or overfill it.
Last verified 2026-09-07

Sources

Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.

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