How do I dispose of my medical waste?

---

Traditional waste water treatment does not remove or break down pharmaceuticals.  These drugs can be found at low levels in surface and groundwater.  Tor this reason, pharmaceuticals should never be flushed down the drain.  Click here for disposal options.

Found a used syringe? 

If you find a used syringe out in the community, please put on gloves, use tongs to pick up used syringe and throw it into a thick plastic container like a milk jug or detergent bottle. Then duct tape the bottle, writing "sharps metals inside,” and call the local syringe hotline run by Open Aid Alliance, at 406-493-2502. Note: if you're uncomfortable doing that, you can call or text the found syringe hotline and someone will come pick them up. The syringe pick-up is only on weekdays during normal business hours. However, there is a 24-hour syringe disposal box behind Burns Street Bistro available. 

Need to dispose of your own syringes/sharps? 

If you need to dispose of your sharps/syringes on a regular basis, please you can utilize our local garbage collection service. However, our local garbage collection service in Missoula, Republic Services of Montana, cannot accept sharps loosely placed in your waste container. Here is some guidance for how to properly dispose of your sharps in the trash. If sharps aren’t properly contained, your garbage may not be picked up due to safety precautions for our employees.  

We offer two ways for you to properly dispose of your sharps. First, is through a fee-based program noted on our website: http://www.republicservices.com/corporate/residential/wasterecycling/sharpsdisposal-aspx. Or, if you choose to contain your own sharps, please follow the steps;

     • Place your home administered sharps into a clear puncture-proof container which can be sealed. A plastic milk container works best. 

     • Pour ¼ to ½ cup of bleach into the container 

     • Place cap on container and seal with duct or heavy shipping tape 

     • Gently shake container to expose all sharps to bleach 

     • Utilizing a heavy permanent marker, write down the words “SHARPS” on the side of the container 

     • Place on top of your trash for collection.