Medication Packaging Disposal

We're always looking for ways to ship your medication and supplies in the most environmentally sustainable way. See what you can do today to dispose of these materials responsibly and check back for updates.

 

EPS coolers

  • Coolers can be recycled anywhere EPS is accepted. Visit epspackaging.org and click on "Find an EPS recycling location" to look up drop sites where you can bring your packaging to be recycled. 
  • You may also choose to have the cooler picked up and brought to a recycling center. Please note, this would have an associated cost. Visit epspackaging.org and click "Recycling Resources for Consumers." Then scroll down to Mail-Back Recycling for instructions. 
  • You can also throw the cooler away with regular garbage.

 

Gel packs

  • To dispose, first thaw the packs.
  • Then, cut the corner of the pack and carefully pour the liquid (a water-based polymer gel) into the trash. 
  • The plastic film can be recycled anywhere #4 plastic is accepted. Visit earth911.com and click "Where to Recycle" for more information.
  • You can also dispose of the entire pouch in the regular garbage.

 

Liquid containers

  • These containers can be plastic or glass.
  • Before disposing, remove all personal information from the label and clean out any remaining medication.
  • If plastic, it can be recycled wherever plastic containers are accepted.
  • If glass, it can usually be recycled with curbside recycling programs.
  • Visit earth911.com and click “Where to Recycle” for more information.

 

Quilted air cushions

  • Since the quilted air cushions are an air-filled film, you may reuse them to protect and store other items (similar to bubble wrap). 
  • The plastic film can be recycled anywhere LDPE #4 plastic is accepted, such as places with plastic bag recycling. Visit earth911.com and click "Where to Recycle" for more information.
  • You may also dispose of this film in the regular garbage.

 

Foil bubble mailers

  • Please dispose of this material in the regular garbage.

 

Blister packs

  • Please dispose of this material in the regular garbage.

 

Prescription vials

  • Before disposing, please remove the cap, clean the vial of any medication residue and remove any personal information on the label.
  • The vials can be recycled with any #5 plastic. Visit earth911.com and click "Where to Recycle" for more information.
  • You may also throw the vials in the regular garbage.

 

Corrugated boxes

  • These boxes can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. Visit earth911.com and click "Where to Recycle" for more information.

 

Needles and sharps

  • Needles and sharps should be placed in a strong plastic container, such as a sharps container or a laundry detergent bottle (do not use water or soft drink bottles).
  • To safely dispose of the container, visit safeneedledisposal.org to find local disposal options and guidelines for your state. 
  • Please DO NOT throw away loose sharps in the regular garbage.

 

Dry ice

  • Before disposing in trash, leave in cooler and set aside in a well-ventilated area until dry ice has evaporated. DO NOT handle dry ice.

 

Prescription medication

  • Bring your unwanted, unused or expired medications to your nearest Walgreens safe medication disposal kiosk.
  • Request DisposeRx to be included with your next prescription order*. We will send you a DisposeRx packet that can be mixed with your medication and water to be safely thrown away in your household trash. To include DisposeRx in your next order, ask our Patent Care Advocate.

 

*A fee of $5 may be applied