Improperly disposed pharmaceuticals and medications have been entering our water supplies from a variety of sources, including the flushing of unused medications into sewer systems. Nationwide studies have found low levels of medications such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids in 80% of the rivers and streams tested. Pharmaceuticals that are improperly disposed include chemicals such as over the counter medicines, cosmetics and other personal care products, as well as antibiotics and growth hormones used with livestock.

Do not dispose of your unwanted drugs by flushing them down the drain or toilet. You should dispose of your old drugs by placing them in your household trash by doing the following:

• To avoid accidental or intentional misuse of drugs, treat medication (liquids and pills) by adding water, salt, ashes, dirt, cat litter, coffee grounds, or another undesirable substance.
• Place unwanted pharmaceuticals in a sealed bag or box and seal the container with strong tape.
• Dispose of drugs in your trash as close to your trash collection day as possible.
• Do not conceal discarded drugs in food to prevent consumption by pets or wildlife.
• Place household sharps like needles and lancets in a puncture proof container such as a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle. The container should be sealed with tape and labeled as "sharps" and placed in the trash for disposal and not recycling,
• Medications with needles attached may also be disposed of at household sharps community collection programs at hospitals and nursing homes in Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

You may also click here for a list of locations that accept pharmaceuticals for safe disposal.

For more information, contact the Authority office at 733-1224.

The following paper and cardboard material should be placed in your recycling container loosely, with no plastic bags, string or twine.

• Newspapers & Inserts
• Magazine & Catalogs
• Phone Books
• Kraft Paper (Brown Paper Bags)
• Paper Egg Cartons
• Junk Mail such as cards, envelopes, letters and enclosures
• Shredded Paper (place in clear, plastic bag)
• School & Office paper such as
  • Tablet Paper
  • White Paper (lined & unlined)
  • Green Bar Computer Paper
  • Computer Paper
  • Colored Paper
  • Copier Paper
  • Scratch Pad Paper
  • All NCR Paper
  • Envelopes (with or without windows)
  • Blueprint Paper
  • Post-It Notes
  • Fax Paper
  • Thermo Paper
  • Adding Machine Paper
  • Index Cards
  • Manila File Folders
  • Glossy Paper
• Lightweight Cardboard such as
  • Dry Food Boxes (cereal, cookies, snack)
  • Non-Food Boxes (medicine, tissue, toy and gift boxes)
  • Toilet & Paper Towel Tubes
  • Pizza Boxes (with debris removed)
  • Corrugated Cardboard

Items NOT accepted for recycling:

Napkins, Tissues, Wax Paper, Paper Towels, Paper Plates/Cups, Tissue Paper, Copier Paper Wrappings, Metal Hanging File Folders, Tyvek Shipping Envelopes, Frozen Food & Microwave Cartons, Wax-Coated Corrugated

Special Instructions:

• Do not place recyclables in plastic bags. Please do not bundle or tie with string or twine.
• Remove paper and plastic liners.
• Flatten cardboard and stack underneath of next to your recycling container(s).
• Shredded paper is the only exception to the plastic bag rule- place shredded paper in a large, clear bag for collection.

Plastic, over-the-counter medication bottles (i.e. vitamin/aspirin bottles)  can be placed in your recycling container.

DO NOT place prescription medicine bottles in your recycling container. Dispose of them with your trash.

If you have leftover medication, DO NOT flush down the toilet. Please click here for pharmaceutical disposal information.