Medical &
Pharmaceutical
Wastes
Sharps Disposal
University of Michigan Health Sparrow Ionia Main Hospital on select collection dates (four times a year)
Ionia County Health Department during working hours
Prescription Medication Disposal
Accepted in-container:
Ionia Meijer Pharmacy (during pharmacy hours)
Controlled substances accepted if removed from container and placed in plastic sandwich bag:
Ionia County Sheriff’s Office (open 24 hrs)
Portland Police Department upon call
Belding Police Department upon call
Lake Odessa Police Department upon call
Please note, liquid and aerosol (inhaler) medications are not accepted at the Sheriff’s Office/Police Departments.
Why should these wastes be disposed of carefully?
Sharps that are incorrectly disposed of can injure community members, garbage workers, or recycling staff. This can lead to large medical bills and spreading blood-borne illnesses. Make sure used sharps are kept in thick, rigid plastic containers that are well labelled with the term “SHARP.” When ¾ full, tape the container shut. Want to learn more about proper disposal? Visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org.
Read more about the hazards associated with needle stick and sharps injuries.
Medications that are incorrectly disposed of post a variety of hazards to human and overall ecological health. Medications that are flushed or improperly disposed of can get into drinking water. They may also pollute natural waterways, affecting fish and other aquatic species. Learn more about the effects of medication pollution with the EPA’s article,
“The Impact of Pharmaceuticals Released to the Environment”