Prescription Drugs and Sharps Disposal
Medicines play an important role in treating certain conditions and diseases, but they must be taken with care. Secure storage of pain medications, antidepressants, and other expired or un-needed medications reduces the risk of misuse by children or others.
Occasionally we get calls asking how to dispose of used syringes or old medications. We can accept sharps for disposal from households, and we charge $5 for a normal sized container disposal. We cannot accept any medications for disposal. Under Ohio law, only law enforcement agencies and pharmacies can be prescription drug drop off locations. Drug Take Back Days are offered once a year in April, but it is better to dispose of unused drugs throughout the year by visiting a drop off location.
In Licking County the following locations accept pills, however, they do not accept liquid medications.
- Licking County Sheriff’s Office, 155 E Main Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
- Newark Police Department, 39 S. 4th Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
- Pataskala Police Department, 623 W. Broad Street, Pataskala, Ohio 43062
- Johnstown Police Department, 599 D. Main St., Johnstown, Ohio 43031
- Hebron Police Department, 934 W. Main St., Hebron, Ohio 43025
- Heath Police Department, 1287 Hebron Rd., Heath, Ohio 43056
Small amounts of most medications can also either be disposed of by mixing with solid waste, or by flushing down the drain. Disposal options for specific meds can be found at
EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine.
Small quantities of syringes from personal use can also be disposed of with your solid waste. Guidelines suggest placing used needles in a household container such as a laundry detergent or bleach bottle, or a sturdy, opaque plastic container with a screw-top lid. When the container is 3/4 of the way full, seal the lid with duct tape, label "DO NOT RECYCLE" and place container in your regular trash. Instructions on how to do that are available at
http://www.epa.ohio.gov/