There are several ways to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications in Lenawee County.
Drug Take Back Days
Twice a year, ProMedica partners with local law enforcement to hold a Drug Take Back Day. Drive up, drop off all your unwanted medications (solids, liquids, ointments, inhalers, and sharps) and drive away! It’s free and no appointment is needed.
Check your local news for upcoming dates.
Big Red Barrels
Big Red Barrels are located at police departments across the county and are a safe and confidential location to dispose of prescription or over-the-counter medication. Put pills into a sealed plastic bag, or dump pills directly into the barrel. No cost, no appointment needed, and no questions asked.
Find a complete list of locations and the medications they accept hereWhere to Safely Dispose of Medications.
MedSafe Kiosk
There is a MedSafe disposal site at the ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital Emergency Room. Simply walk in and dispose of your unused, unwanted, or expired medication in the blue MedSafe Kiosk.
Meijer Drug Disposal Program
Meijer has a free drug disposal box located at its pharmacy. They accept over-the-counter, prescription, and pet medicine.
Safely dispose of your medication while doing your shopping!
Deterra© Bags
Eco-friendly drug disposal at home!
- Put unused drugs in a Deterra© pouch
- Fill pouch halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds
- Seal pouch tightly, gently shake, and throw away with normal trash
What do I do with used sharps?
What are sharps?
Sharps may include things like
- Needles
- Syringes
- Staples
- Glass tubes & bottles
- IV catheters
- Razors
- Scissors
- Knives
How do I safely store used sharps?
The best option is to store used sharps in a sharps/biohazard container. You can also make your own by following these directions:
- Find a clean, opaque, hard plastic container with a screw-on lid. A used laundry detergent or bleach bottle is a great choice.
- Put sharps in the container uncapped, needle first.
- Label the bottle “Do not recycle. Household sharps” and store out of reach of children and pets.
- Fill the container about 2/3 of the way so that the lid still fits tightly on top.
Now what?
When your container is 2/3 full, you have a few options:
- Bring full containers to a Drug Take-Back Day.
- Bring full containers to a local pharmacy that accepts them such as Schmidt & Sons or Hudson Pharmacy.
- Seal full containers with heavy-duty tape and throw them away.
