Used Sharps / Prescription Drug Disposal Information 

Overview

The handling and disposal of used home-generated medical sharps such as needles, syringes, and lancets, are exempted from regulation in Arizona's Medical Waste Regulations (Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-13-1401 et seq.). However, these materials still need to be handled safely. We need your help in ensuring that medical sharps are disposed of in a manner that minimizes health risks to garbage haulers, landfill personnel, and the community.

Used Sharps Disposal Program

Help preserve our environment by properly disposing of needles/sharps which are hazardous waste. Please note that due to resource limitations and regulatory requirements, sharps cannot be accepted from doctors' offices, health clinics, or other businesses.Collect, Protect, and Respect

Program Features

  • Drop off used Sharp containers at all CHSS locations (Health and Social Services Staff Directory Page)
  • Sharps must be in approved containers
  • Drop off Monday through Friday 8 am-noon, 1-5 pm
  • 1-gallon sharps containers available for purchase to residents at $5 per container for assistance with proper disposal.

Prescription Drug Disposal Information

Why Is Proper Prescription Drug Disposal Important?

Improperly discarded drugs threaten public health and our environment with the potential to:

  • Poison children and animals that may find the medication
  • Be scavenged and sold unlawfully
  • Pass through sewage treatment plants and septic tanks and contaminate groundwater and soil

Practice safe drug disposal at home by following these steps:

  • STEP 1: Remove unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs from their original containers.
  • STEP 2: Place them in an impermeable, nondescript container.
  • STEP 3: Mix them with an encapsulating agent to further ensure they are not diverted or accidentally ingested by children or pets or contaminate groundwater.
  • STEP 4: Seal the container tightly and throw it in the trash.