What is Pharmaceutical Waste?
Any medication that is outdated, unusable, or not needed is labeled as pharmaceutical waste. Medicines must be disposed of properly as they can contribute to substance abuse issues, along with harming the environment. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a complete map of their medication drop-off locations. More sites exist at pharmacies, sheriff's offices, and more.
Note: All items should be placed in a plastic bag.
Accepted Items: over-the-counter and prescription medications (including controlled substances), prescription patches, ointments, vitamins, drug samples, and pet medications.
Not Accepted: sharps/needles, inhalers, illegal drugs, hydrogen peroxide, aerosols, and thermometers.
Disposal sites for pharmaceutical waste are at the following locations:
- NYS DEC NYS Rx Drop Sites
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, 753 Waterman Dr, Watertown, NY 13601; Open Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic, 11050 Mt Belvedere Blvd, Fort Drum, NY 13602 (Medsafe)
- Lewis County General Hospital Pharmacy, 7785 North State St, Lowville, NY 13367 (also DEC drop site in the main lobby)
- Falls Pharmacy, 6805 McAlpine St, Lyons Falls, NY 13368
- Bonaparte Pharmacy, 8210 Main St, Harrisville, NY 13648
- St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, 48 Court St, Canton, NY 13617; Open all the time
- Massena Police Department, 60 Main St #3, Massena, NY 13662
- Various Kinney Drugs Locations have either drop boxes or specific days for collection. Call ahead.
- Walgreens Safe Disposal Kiosks are available in stores.
