Keeping medications or syringes after they are no longer needed may cause unnecessary risk, especially if there are children, pets or vulnerable adults in the home. It is recommended that you remove unneeded medications from your home to prevent someone from accidentally taking or intentionally misusing them.
Improper disposal of medications and syringes (i.e. throwing them out in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet) can harm the environment and contaminate water supplies. Proper disposal of medications and syringes can ensure that they are not accidentally touched, ingested, or misused. To learn more about safe syringe storage before disposal, visit the FDA website. There are several ways that you can safely dispose of unneeded medications and used syringes in Saratoga County:
• DEA Drug Take Back Day: Twice a year Saratoga County will participate in the DEA National Drug Take Back Day, typically held in April and October. On this day, there will be several sites located throughout the county where residents can drop-off medications for disposal. To find information about the next Take Back Day, please visit: Take Back Day (dea.gov).
• Medication and sharps disposal boxes: There are several medication and sharps disposal boxes located throughout Saratoga County. These sites are free and open to the public. It is recommended to call the location to review what types of medications/syringes they accept before dropping them off. A list of participating locations can be found below:
| Location | Address | Phone Number | Accepting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corinth EMS | 101 Sherman Avenue, Corinth NY 12822 | (518) 654-7243 | Medications and Sharps |
| CVS Pharmacy | 34 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 | (518) 587-3098 | Medications only |
| CVS Pharmacy | 839 Route 146, Clifton Park NY 12065 | (518) 371-3700 | Medications only |
| Mechanicville Police Department | 36 North Main Street #1, Mechanicville NY 12118 | (518) 664-7383 | Medications only |
| Paul E. Lent Public Safety Facility | 6012 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa NY 12020 | (518) 584-7460 | Medications only |
| Rite Aid | 1701 Route 9, Clifton Park NY 12065 | (518) 371-5303 | Medications only |
| Rite Aid | 1483 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 | (518) 371-1513 | Medications only |
| Rite Aid | 3027 Route 50, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 | (518) 587-2202 | Medications only |
| Saratoga County Correctional Facility | 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa 12020 | (518) 885-2480 | Medications only |
| Saratoga Hospital Emergency Center | 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 | (518) 587-3222 | Medications and Sharps |
| Saratoga Springs Housing Authority | 1 South Federal Street Saratoga Springs NY 12866 | (518) 584-6600 | Sharps only |
| Saratoga Springs Police Department | 5 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 | (518) 587-3550 | Medications only |
| Walgreens Pharmacy | 90 West Ave, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 | (518) 587-0721 | Medications only |
| Walgreens Pharmacy | 121 Old Route 146, Halfmoon NY 120654 | (518) 371-5842 | Medications only |
| Walgreens Pharmacy | 94 Mainstreet, South Glens Falls NY 12803 | (518) 792-5575 | Medications only |
| Waterford Police Department | 65 Broad Street, Waterford NY 12118 | (518) 237-3341 | Medications only |
• Deterra medication disposal system: The Deterra system deactivates prescription drugs, pills, patches, liquids, creams and films. It deactivates the substance and ensures that it is unavailable for potential misuse or accidental poisoning. Deterra medication disposal systems are available for free from the Saratoga County Department of Health. Please note that these systems are not recommended if you have a large quantity of medications to dispose of. Please contact us to schedule an appointment for pickup.
• All nursing homes in New York State are mandated by law to accept home-generated sharps. To learn more about this program and to find a participating location near you, please visit: New York State Safe Sharps Collection Program (ny.gov).
