Home Medical Waste

Due to demonstrated adverse effects to fish and other aquatic wildlife, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency no longer recommends disposal of medications by flushing them down the drain.  If you live within the St. Louis County Solid Waste Management Area, most of your unwanted medications may be disposed of in your trash. 

Here’s how:

• Keep the medication in its original container and scratch out or cover the patient’s name.  
• Add water to pills or capsules in the bottle, or salt, flour or powdered mustard to liquids to discourage consumption, then securely tape container shut.
• Wrap blister packs in multiple layers of duct tape.
• Place it inside a non-transparent bag or lidded container (margarine tub will work) and tape the lid securely. 
• Put it in with your trash. 

DO NOT PUT IN WITH RECYCLING.

Here's what you do with 'sharps' in the St. Louis County Solid Waste Management Area:

(If you live in the WLSSD service area please check their regulations)

Do not purchase red infectious waste containers. They will not be accepted if placed in the garbage. Residents should:

• Recap your sharp.
• Collect sharps in a plastic two-liter soda or laundry detergent  bottle.
• When bottle is full replace cap and tape securely.
• Clearly label the bottle "Household Sharps".
• Place in the trash.

DO NOT PUT IN WITH RECYCLING!

 

If you have garbage collection from your home, check with your hauler for their preferred method of disposal. If you bring your trash to a County facility, let the attendant know that you have sharps in your load.

Your help will reduce the risks of health hazards or injury to yourself and to our workers.