Medication Disposal

Most medication, unless indicated otherwise on the package, may be disposed of in your regular household trash (blue bin) after removing it from the container and mixing it with something undesirable such as coffee grounds or kitty litter. Do not flush medication down the toilet.

Instructions for medication disposal

Unwanted or expired medication and opioids can be dropped off in kiosks at the Newton Police Department (1321 Washington St), the West Lobby of Newton-Wellesley Hospital (2014 Washington St), or in front of City Hall (1000 Commonwealth Ave). Solid medication only, no liquids or needles.

The Newton Police Department and the Health & Human Services Department periodically collaborate with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to collect unused and expired medication on Drug Takeback Day.

Sharps Disposal

Sharps are needles and lancets used at home to inject medicine into people or pets. Properly disposing of sharps helps keep potentially harmful products out of the waste stream. A new state regulation went into effect on July 1, 2012 that prohibits people from disposing of needles and lancets in the trash.

Place sharps in a puncture-proof container (such as an empty detergent bottle) for safe disposal. Guide to Responsible Sharps Disposal

Newton residents may bring sharps in proper containers to the Rumford Avenue Resource Recovery Center at 115 Rumford Ave, Auburndale, MA 02466. Please bring proof of Newton residency.