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Household Sharps & Unwanted Medication FAQs

Shaprs

Where can I safely dispose of household sharps?

Millions of people use syringes and lancets to manage their healthcare at home.  These syringes and lancets are called “household sharps”.  Sharps are prohibited from being disposed of with household trash, and are not recyclable.  Anyone who uses sharps must properly store and discard them after use.  You can safely dispose of sharps at the following location: 

Mashpee Department of Public Works
350 Meetinghouse Road
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
(508) 539-1420

Between drop-offs, put used syringes and lancets in a sharps container, or a puncture resistant rigid plastic container clearly labelled “Contains Sharps”.  Sharps containers can be obtained at Mashpee DPW during normal business hours. 

Important Tips:

  • Keep sharps away from children and pets.
  • Never flush household sharps down the toilet.
  • Never clip, bend or re-cap a household sharp.
  • Put used sharps immediately in your container.
  • Never put used sharps in a container that can be punctured or broken.
  • Keep container closed between uses.
  • Store container in a safe place.
  • Bring a container with you when you travel.

If you find a syringe/sharp on your property or in a public place, please call the Mashpee Police Department or the Mashpee Board of Health immediately.

Where can I safely dispose of prescription medications?

Studies show that the path to drug abuse begins by taking drugs meant for other family members or friends, or by abusing prescribed painkillers beyond their intended use.  Proper disposal of old or unused prescription drugs may prevent a bad decision that could lead to drug addiction. Mashpee Police Department and Mashpee Board of Health urge anyone with unnecessary or old medications to help keep them off the streets and out of the hands of loved ones by disposing of them promptly and appropriately.

Mashpee Police Department has a Prescription Drug Receptacle located in the front lobby.  You can safely dispose of unwanted, outdated, or unnecessary prescription drugs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no questions asked.

Accepted Medications: Prescription medications including prescription patches, pills, liquids and ointments; over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and samples; and pet medications.

Unaccepted: Needles (sharps), thermometers, bloody or infectious waste, medications from businesses or clinics, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans and inhalers.