Household Pharmaceutical Disposal Program
Medications can be properly disposed by taking them to the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center located at 5350 2nd ST NW
(South of Montano Road on 2nd Street behind the Gerald Cline Memorial Police Substation)
- Phone: (505) 823-4200
- Hours:Thursdays 9am-4pm
A Few Things You Should Know
- The following information is for private homes that are NOT using a home health care agency. Home health care providers are required to dispose medical waste according to the New Mexico Administrative Code.
- ONLY PILLS WILL BE ACCEPTED -- Doctor prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and pet medications.
- Proper disposal protects children and pets from accidental poisonings
- Remove all medications from their original containers including pills in foil and place them in a sealable bag.
- Call the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center to ensure staff availability at (505) 823-4200.
- Take to the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center on Thursdays between 9am-4pm.
What's Not Accepted
- Liquids, injectables or syringes How to properly dispose of injectables or syringes
- Chemo or medical waste
- Inhalers or other personal care items
- Prescriptions on the EPA “P” or “U” List
- For more information call the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center at (505) 823-4200
Trash Disposal
Other prescriptions should be disposed in your regular trash following the steps below:
- Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it and add water to dissolve it.
- Add an absorbant material such as kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds to the plastic bag.
- Seal the plastic bag and place into the trash.
- Protect yourself by destroying all identifying information from medical containers before recycling.
- Consult your pharmacist with any questions.
- For more information go to http://www.smarxtdisposal.net/
Useful Links
- Examples of P-Listed Drugs
- EPA P & U List
- Smart Disposal
- New Mexico Board of Pharmacy
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Federal Guidelines
- Drug Digest
- Take-Back Network
- Take Back Express
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Official website for the City of Albuquerque www.cabq.gov