Medical Waste Disposal

Announcements:

When the next collection event is scheduled, it will be posted here.

Medical waste for businesses

Businesses looking to dispose of biohazards and medical/infectious waste should contact the Oahu-based companies listed below for more information:

For more information call the Department of Heath at (808) 586-4226.

Instructions for Disposing Medical Needles (Sharps)

  • Sharps should be stored in a strong, leak proof plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
  • The container should be clearly marked “BIOHAZARD”.
  • When the container is full, it should be filled with one part bleach and ten parts water and allowed to soak for 20 minutes.
  • The solution should then be poured into a sink, and the container should be sealed with its original cap. As a safety measure, heavy duty tape should be placed on the cap
  • Dispose of the container in your regular household trash.

Prescription Medication Take Back Opportunities

KAUAI POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Kaua‘i Police Department now hosts medication drop boxes through the Hawaii Medication Drop Box Program. Boxes are located at the Kaua‘i Police Department Headquarters in Lihue at 3990 Ka'ana Street.

Please have all medication packaged in a clear plastic bag. Tablets, capsules, and all other solid forms of medication: prescription or nonprescription- including patches, are accepted. The service is free and anonymous. For information on the medication drop box program, please call 241-1681.

Needles and syringes are not accepted.

Bins are for residential use only, no businesses allowed.

Lieutenant Scott Brede and Sgt. Sandy Wakumoto standing next to Kauai Police Department medication drop boxes

KPD's Lt. Scott Brede and Sgt. Sandy Wakumoto stand next to KPD's new medication drop box at Police Headquarters, 3990 Kaʻana Street, in Līhu‘e . The public is asked to place medication in a clear bag before disposing in the drop box.

LONGS DRUGS

Longs Drug Stores in Lihue and Kapaa have installed in-store drug disposal units for safe disposal of unwanted medications. Acceptable items include prescription, over the counter, and liquid medications. Items not accepted include Illegal schedule 1 drugs, needles or sharps, medical devices, aerosol cans and inhalers, chemicals, and mercury containing devices.

BI-ANNUAL TAKE BACK EVENTS

The Drug Enforcement Administration continues to coordinate a bi-annual take back events for expired medication. Events are tentatively scheduled for the 4th Saturday in October and April of each year. The events take place at Kaua‘i Police Department Headquarters from 10 am to 2 pm.

For more information visit www.dea.gov or call (808) 541-1930.

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