Disposal of Pharmaceuticals

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. Pharmaceuticals may be delivered to the following locations for disposal:

  • Village of Boonville Police Department - 13149 State Route 12, Boonville
  • Kinney Drugs - 261 Utica Boulevard, Boonvillle
  • Kinney Drugs - 2 Preston Hill Street, Camden
  • Kinney Drugs - 12 Franklin Avenue, Clinton
  • Dolgeville Police Department - 13 Gibson Street, Dolgeville
  • Kinney Drugs - 55 North Main Street, Dolgeville
  • Hannaford - 401 East Albany Street, Herkimer
  • Kinney Drugs - 40 First Street, Ilion
  • Kinney Drugs - 530 Albany Street, Little Falls
  • Little Falls Hospital - 140 Burwell Street, Little Falls
  • Walgreens - 49 Kellogg Road, New Hartford
  • Hannaford - 4593 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
  • Price Chopper - 4535 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
  • Kinney Drugs - 2964 State Route 28, Old Forge
  • Webb Town Police Department - 3139 State Route 28, Old Forge
  • Walgreens - 201 South James Street, Rome
  • Price Chopper - 1790 Black River Boulevard, Rome
  • Rome Health Community Pharmacy - 1500 North James Street, Rome
  • Hannaford - 808 West Chestnut Street, Rome
  • Grand Union - 87 East State Street, Sherrill
  • Wynn Hospital - 111 Hospital Drive, Utica
  • Uitca Police Department - 413 Oriskany Street, Utica
  • Garro's Drugs - 430 Bleecker Street, Utica
  • Hannaford - 1122 Mohawk Street, Utica
  • Price Chopper - 1917 Genesee Street, Utica
  • Village of Vernon Police Department - 8 Ruth Street, Vernon
  • CVS Pharmacy - 139 East Main Street, Waterville
  • Kinney Drugs - 40 Oriskany Boulevard, Whitesboro
  • Whitesboro Village Police Department - 46 Roosevelt Drive, Whitesboro
  • Yorkville Police Department - 30 Sixth Street, Yorkville

More information from NYSDEC.

If you are unable to dispose of unwanted or expired drugs at a drop-off location, you should dispose of the 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.

Deterra Medical Disposal Bags can be requested by Oneida County residents from the Oneida County Opioid Task Force. Click here for more information.

For more information, contact the Authority office at (315) 733-1224.

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