Medication Disposal

Medications play an important role in treating patient conditions and diseases; however, when they are no longer needed or they expire, it's important to dispose of them properly to avoid potential harm to others. Unused or expired medications left in the household could get into the wrong hands and have, unfortunately, become the target for misuse and theft. MPA holds an annual medication disposal event in September to bring awareness to this issue and provide an option for the public to safely dispose of medications.

Medication Disposal Event @ the Capitol
MPA hosts a Medication Disposal Event @ the Capitol each year on the south Capitol lawn in Lansing and allows the general public to safely and responsibly dispose of medications, including controlled substance medications/narcotics.

If you are unable to make it to the event in September, please feel free to utilize the Save a Life - Dispose Drugs Safely infographic for a home disposal recipe or visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Household Take Back Map.

General Event Information

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 - CANCELLED
Time: Medication dropp off is 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Press conference is 11 a.m.
Location: Michigan State Capitol, south lawn, Lansing, Mich.  Click here to get directions to the Capitol building.
Drop-off Instructions: Keep pharmaceuticals in their original container since the labels may contain safety information. In addition, the container is chemically compatible, and caps are typically water tight and child proof. Scratch out, cover with tape or use permanent marker to make personal information unreadable. Medications can be dropped off at the tent on the south Capitol lawn or there will be a drop-off tent located at Capitol Avenue and Michigan Avenue for your convenience.

Acceptable Items:

  • Controlled substance medications/narcotics
  • Eye drops
  • Inhalers
  • Insulin
  • Medicated ointments/lotions
  • Medication samples
  • Medications from individuals/households
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Pet medications
  • Prescription medications
  • Vitamins/supplements

Items Not Accepted:

  • Hazardous pharmaceuticals
  • Hazardous materials
  • Injectables
  • Medical/infectious waste
  • Medications from hospitals/health facilities
  • Needles/syringes

For a list of sharps collection programs in Michigan, please visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Additional Event Information: The Medication Disposal Event @ the Capitol is held in conjunction with MPA's annual Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, an event designed to educate legislators and their staffs on the vital role pharmacists play on the healthcare team. Volunteers pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have one-on-one time during wellness demonstrations with Michigan's lawmakers to discuss important pharmacy issues and provide expertise.

Event Contacts

Sponsorship and Media Inquiries: MPA or (517) 484-1466.