The health care system and advancements in drug therapy have contributed to Americans living longer than ever before. As the population ages, the volume of medications prescribed increases dramatically. Patients over the age of 75 average 12 new prescriptions per year. It is estimated that four of every five patients leave the doctor's office with a prescription.

The Problem

Medications and personal care products pose a threat to children while in the home and pose a threat to our water and soil upon disposal.

Medications may become unwanted for a variety of reasons:
     -change in medication
     -change in dosage
     -not used by patient
     -medication is outdated
     -patient has improved
     -patient has died

Historically, unwanted medications were either flushed down the toilet or thrown out in the garbage. Both of these options pose a risk:

1. Children or pets can accidentally ingest medications discarded in the garbage
2. Medications flushed down the toilet may not be completely removed by the sewage treatment process and end up in ground or surface waters.

The Solution

The Macomb County Health Department is accepting unwanted and outdated medications from Macomb County residents through the Household Hazardous Waste collection for proper disposal.

For monthly collection dates, times and locations click here or medications can be brought in to the Mt. Clemens Health Center anytime during normal business hours.

Before bringing in your unwanted medication please follow these procedures:

•Remove pills from bottles and combine together in an unmarked/unlabeled container such as a zip lock bag.
•Please do not bring pill bottles to the collection site.

Please Note: Controlled substances will not be accepted. Examples include: narcotic painkillers, Morphine, Ritalin, Tylenol III with codeine, etc.  Contact your local pharmacy for disposal.