Disposing of Household Medical Waste

Medications

Improper disposal of medications that are no longer needed or prescribed can lead to accidental ingestion causing a risk to health. Accidental ingestion by children, the elderly, or pets can also occur. Old medications should not be flushed or put down the drain or toilet. The Dispose-a-Med Program has several options for medication disposal. Tucson residents can drop off old medications at five permanent locations in Tucson Police Department Substations. 

Tucson Police Department Substations

Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Southside Santa Cruz Substation - 4410 South Park Avenue

Westside Police Service Center - 1310 West Miracle Mile

Midtown Substation - 1100 South Alvernon Way

Downtown Main Station - 270 South Stone Avenue

Eastside Rincon Substation - 9670 E Golf Links Road

Sharps and Needle Disposal

Needles & syringes are hazardous medical waste and should be disposed of properly. To reduce the risk of stick injuries, please dispose of needles and syringes as follows:

  1. Place all needles and syringes in a secured puncture proof plastic container with a screw-on lid (for example: a rigid detergent, bleach or fabric softener bottle).
  2. Clearly label the container “DO NOT RECYCLE”
  3. Once filled, tightly secure the lid and reinforce with duct tape. Only fill about 3/4 full.
  4. Place the container into your trash; do not place this container in your recycle bin.

Remember:

  • Keep plastic container out of reach of children and pets.
  • Do not use a glass container.
  • Never put loose needles or syringes in the trash or blue barrels.
  • Never flush needles or syringes down the toilet.
  • It is critical to public health and safety that needles and syringes are disposed of properly and safely. Needle injuries to municipal workers on the job, or to the public, are easily preventable.

Want more info? Here is a Printable Information Sheet(PDF, 3MB) to download (English/Spanish) 

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