Not Accepted:  Needles/Sharps and Liquids

* REMOVE ALL MEDICATIONS FROM THE PACKAGING AND PLACE THEM INTO A SEALED BAG.  ANY MEDICATIONS STILL IN BOTTLES OR BOXES WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.

Proper drug disposal of expired or unwanted pills, capsules, and tablet medications is important to help protect human health and our environment. Unwanted drugs should not be flushed down the drain. Medications should be kept secure in the home to prevent unlawful use and regularly disposed of at secure locations. 

Over the last decade, prescription drug abuse and accidental deaths from drug abuse have skyrocketed. Over the last several decades, studies have shown that pharmaceuticals are at low levels in our surface water and groundwater.  Although there are no known health risks to people, there are known impacts to amphibians, fish, wildlife, and bacteria.  Without improvements in disposal and wastewater treatment technologies, the level of pharmaceuticals in our water is expected to increase as more and more people continue taking more medications.

Every month, you can turn in expired or unwanted pills, capsules, and tablet medications for proper disposal at the COA's Lowe Center location in Cassopolis. 

Please note we cannot dispose of liquids, inhalers, or needles.