Medicines

Where to Recycle: Retail Drugstores and Hospitals

Many communities offer take-back programs, check with your local pharmacy, police station, or recycling contact to see if there is a collection location or an upcoming collection event. Drugstore chains like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS, grocers like Meijer, and some hospitals and doctors' offices offer drop-boxes or take-back at pharmacy counters for used medication. Watch the EGLE tutorial on medication disposal here.

Why can’t this item go in my curbside bin?  

Although usually not characterized as household hazardous waste (HHW), unused medication is a material that can become a hazard or pollutant if not disposed of properly. Rinsing old medicines down the drain or flushing them down the toilet allows potentially harmful substances to enter our waterways and throwing them in your garbage doesn't assure proper disposal. It is recommended that all medicines are stored securely and in some cases in a locked container to assure they don't get into the wrong hands.

What types of this material qualify for recycling?

Chemotherapy medications are not typically accepted at the take-back programs listed above. Please consult the prescribing doctor about proper disposal or find options for donating unwanted chemotherapy or prescription drugs by contacting the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) at 517-241-0205 or BPLHelp@Michigan.gov.