Medicine & Sharps Disposal Guide
Where to get rid of medicines, needles, and other items you can't use anymore. Dane County, Wisconsin resources are listed first.
Never put needles or syringes in a medicine drop box.
They can hurt workers and damage the collection box. Use a sharps container instead.
Have medicine that's still sealed and not expired? It may be donatable instead — see the Drug Repository Site Finder.
What do you have?
💊 Medicines you no longer need
Don't flush medicines or pour them down the drain — it can harm the environment and contaminate lakes and rivers.
MedDrop boxes (Dane County)
MedDrop boxes are the easiest way to get rid of unwanted medicine in Dane County. Most are inside police stations or city buildings and are open year-round.
What to do:
- Bring medicines in their original containers.
- Put pills in a zip-top bag.
- Keep liquids, creams, and gels in their original container.
- Place the bag in the drop box.
- Recycle the empty bottles — remove your name and info first.
✅ Accepted
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Pet medicines
- Vitamins
- Inhalers
- Creams and liquids
- Patches
❌ Not accepted
- Needles or syringes
- EpiPens
- Oxygen tanks
- IV bags
- Medical equipment
Want a free lockbox to store medicine safely at home? Contact Safe Communities at info@safecommunities.org or (608) 441-3060.
Drug drop boxes (statewide, year-round)
Wisconsin also has drug drop boxes outside Dane County. They take the same items as MedDrop, plus vape pens (take the battery out first).
Map of statewide drop box locations →
Wisconsin DHS drop box page →
Drug Take Back Day
The next Take Back Day is October 24, 2026. These events are staffed and take just a few minutes — you don't need to explain what you're dropping off.
Have illegal drugs to get rid of? Contact your local police department for guidance.
💉 Needles and syringes
Never put these in a medicine drop box.
- Put used needles straight into a hard plastic sharps container — don't bend or break them.
- No sharps container at home? Ask a nearby pharmacy or clinic where to get one and where to drop off full ones.
🩺 Medical equipment you can't donate
Broken glucose meters, CPAP machines, oxygen tanks, IV bags, and other electronics can't go in the regular trash in Wisconsin.
Dane County Clean Sweep
7020 Maahic Way, Madison
Takes electronics and household chemicals from Dane County residents, year-round.
For Dane County residents and K–12 schools only — not for pharmacies or businesses.
Clean Sweep in Other Counties
Most Wisconsin counties offer a similar program — check the statewide schedule below to find your county's collection site and contact info.
Wisconsin DATCP Clean Sweep program →
Statewide Clean Sweep schedule by county (PDF) →
Wisconsin DNR household hazardous waste overview →
🧱 Bandages and gloves
Used bandages, gauze, and gloves can go in your regular trash, bagged.
If something is soaked in blood, double-bag it.
Key Reminders
- Don't flush medicines or pour them down the drain.
- Electronics can't go in regular trash in Wisconsin — take them to Clean Sweep.
- Hours and accepted items can change — call ahead if you're not sure.