Home Medical Waste

Hazards

• May infect other people who come in contact with trash.
   
• Unwanted or expired medicines or pharmaceuticals could be harmful to children or adults. Unused pharmaceuticals found in the trash may be stolen for unregulated use.
   
• Antibiotics poured down the drain can kill beneficial microbes and bacteria in septic systems.

Handling

• Keep sharp objects such as needles, syringes, and lancelets in secure containers out of the reach of children. Do not use glass.

Management Options

• By law, once a prescription has been issued, the pharmacy cannot take it back.
   
• Place medicines and drugs, tightly wrapped, in the trash.  Click here to read a document prepared by the NJDEP on the proper way to dispose of old medicines in New Jersey.
   
• Take part in a Safe Syringe Disposal Program offered by your area hospital.
   
• Place disposable sheets, medical gloves and soiled bandages in plastic bags and securely fasten before you put them in the trash.
   
• Check with your Visiting Nurse Association to see if there is a prescription drug collection or re-use program in your area.

Waste Management, a waste hauling company has a “Sharps Disposal by Mail” program.  Participants are provided with an approved disposal container and mail full containers for disposal using US Postal Service.  Interested parties can call Waste Management for prices & details at 877-WASTE-MD.

Additional information about the Safe Syringe Disposal Program maybe obtained by contacting:

• NJ Hospital Association
  760 Alexander Road
  Princeton , NJ 08543
  609-273-4058

Safe Syringe Disposal Programs in Morris County (these programs are not for old medications)

• St. Clare's Hospital
  (Dover and Denville Campuses)
  Just drop off syringes at the front desk, but they must be in a sealed, hardened container.
   
• Morristown Memorial Hospital
  973-971-4177 - Containers for syringes can be picked up or dropped off at the outpatient desk located on the right after going into the main entrance.  Hours are M-F, 7:00am-7:00pm and Saturdays 7:00am-3:00pm.  Syringes must be empty and syringe containers cannot be more than 3/4s full.
   
• Chilton Memorial Hospital / Access Center (Pompton Plains) - People may pickup empty syringe containers and drop off full ones at the Access Center.  All syringes must be in containers. Hours: M-F, 6:00am - 8:00pm and Saturdays 7:00am-3:00pm.