Pharmaceuticals
Traditional waste water treatment does not remove or break down pharmaceuticals. These drugs can be found at low levels in surface and groundwater. Tor this reason, pharmaceuticals should never be flushed down the drain. Click here for disposal options.
Sharps
Found a used syringe?
If you find a used syringe out in the community, please put on gloves, use tongs to pick up used syringe and throw it into a thick plastic container like a milk jug or detergent bottle. Then duct tape the bottle, writing “sharps metals inside,” and call the local syringe hotline run by Open Aid Alliance, at 406-493-2502. Note: if you’re uncomfortable doing that, you can call or text the found syringe hotline and someone will come pick them up. The syringe pick-up is only on weekdays during normal business hours. However, there is a 24-hour syringe disposal box behind Burns Street Bistro available.
Need to dispose of your own syringes/sharps?
Republic Services offer two ways for you to properly dispose of your sharps. First, is through a fee-based program noted on
our website http://www.republicservices.com/corporate/residential/wasterecycling/sharps-disposal.aspx. Or, if
you choose to contain your own sharps, please follow the steps below.
- Place your home administered sharps into a clear puncture-proof container which can be sealed. A plastic milk container works best.
- Pour ¼ to ½ cup of bleach into the container.
- Place cap on container and seal with duct or heavy shipping tape
- Gently shake container to expose all sharps to bleach
- Utilizing a heavy permanent marker, write the words “SHARPS BLEACHED” on the side of the container
- Place with your trash for collection.
Thank you for properly disposing of your sharps. Should you have further questions or concerns, please call
their local office at 543-3157.
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