What you can and can’t take back

Our program can accept most prescription and over-the-counter medications, whether they are pills, patches, liquids, or ointments. Checked the detailed list below for the types of meds we can take.

Unfortunately, we can’t take back everything. For example, we can’t take back chemotherapy drugs, medical supplies and equipment, or sharps. Also, our program does not accept marijuana or illegal drugs, such as heroin. Scroll down the page to find out more about what we can’t take back.

For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website.

We can accept:

  • Prescription medications, including prescribed controlled substances (DEA Schedule II– V).
  • Over-the-counter medications.
  • Liquid medications (small amounts in original, non-leaking containers).
  • Medicated patches (Used Fentanyl and Duragesic® patches are extremely hazardous. They may be folded in half, sticky-side together, and flushed down the toilet.)
  • Medication samples.
  • Medicated ointments.
  • Vitamins.
  • Pet medications.
  • Unused drug injection cartridges, e.g. unused EpiPens® and insulin pens (must be unused with needle still protected inside).
  • Unused inhaler canisters, e.g. Advair®, Spiriva®, ProAir® and Ventolin® (must be unused, no empty canisters or unneeded plastic holders/mouth pieces).

We cannot accept:

  • Marijuana.
  • Illicit drugs (e.g. DEA Schedule I drugs like heroin, LSD, etc).
  • Needles, syringes, and other sharps.
  • Chemotherapy drugs.
  • Medical tools and supplies.
  • Bloody or infectious waste.
  • Personal care products.
  • Thermometers.
  • Empty containers.
  • Medication wastes generated by health care facilities, including nursing homes.

Chemotherapy drugs

If you’ve undergone treatment with radioactive pharmaceuticals for a disease like thyroid cancer, some wastes you produce may be contaminated with residual radiation. Certain wastes may have to be temporarily stored before placing them out with your trash. You and your caregiver should closely follow instructions provided by your doctor about waste disposal.

The Comprehensive Cancer Center Pharmacy at Saint Joseph Hospital accepts chemotherapy drugs for disposal. Call (303) 318-3490 for more information.

Personal care products

Most personal care products can be disposed in the trash, but some local household hazardous waste programs may accept these products along with household cleaning products. Contact your local program directly, or contact your city/county government for program contact information.

Thermometers and other mercury containing devices

Some local household hazardous waste programs will accept thermometers and other mercury containing devices. Contact your local program directly, or contact your city/county government for program contact information.

All Colorado Ace Hardware stores and other Colorado businesses participate in a program to recycle mercury-containing thermostats. Visit Thermostat-Recycle.org for a complete list of locations.
Also, Holy Cross Energy and Alpine Bank have teamed up to accept compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) for recycling at several locations in the Vail, Glenwood Springs and Aspen areas. Ace Hardware stores will accept them as well.

Medical tools and supplies

Some charities will accept medical tools and supplies in good, usable condition. Project CURE is one such charity. Call 303-792-0729 for more information.

Bloody or infectious waste

Soiled bandages, dressings and disposable sheets should be placed in securely fastened plastic bags before being placed in household trash. Trash containing these potentially infectious wastes should be stored out of the reach of children and pets until it can be picked up or taken to a landfill.

Marijuana

Unused marijuana and marijuana-infused products that was obtained by an individual for recreational or medical use may be disposed by placing in household trash or taken to a landfill. The marijuana must be rendered unrecognizable and mixed with other items of trash. Place in the trash on the day it gets picked up or taken to a landfill.

Illicit drugs

Contact your local law enforcement agency for guidance.

Empty containers

Empty containers should be recycled, if possible. Check the lists of acceptable recyclables provided by your curbside recycling service or local recycling program. Non-recyclable items should be placed in household trash or taken to a landfill. Strike personal information (i.e. patient name and prescription number) from prescription pill bottles before recycling or trashing them.