7.6 – Exhibit
Guidelines for the Disposal of Medical Related Wastes
1. Keep the medication in its original container. Most labels contain safety information and caps are
typically childproof. Leave the content information clearly visible, scratch the patient’s name off or cover it
with permanent marker.
2. Modify the medications to discourage consumption.
For solid medications, such as pills or capsules: add a small amount of water to at least partially dissolve
them.
For liquid medications: add enough table salt, flour, charcoal, or nontoxic powdered spice, such as
turmeric or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from eating it.
For topical medications: wrap the container in multiple layers of duct or other opaque tape.
For blister packs: wrap the blister packages containing pills in multiple layers of duct or other opaque
tape.
3. Seal, conceal and discard in your garbage.
Tape the medication container lid shut with packing or duct tape and place it inside a non-transparent bag
or container such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.
Discard in your garbage can.
Empty prescription bottles should be disposed of in the garbage. They are not acceptable for recycling.
Any medications that have been used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy drugs, should not be placed
in your garbage or sewer. Contact your medical provider or pharmacist to find out how to properly
dispose of these types of drugs.
Soiled bandages, disposable sheets and used latex medical gloves should be placed in a plastic garbage
bag, tied closed and put in the garbage for disposal at a solid waste transfer station or with your solid
waste hauler. Oxygen and IV tubing should be wrapped and disposed of in the garbage. Unused
ampoules, vials and IV bags should not be opened (other than to scratch out the patient’s name). Wrap
the container with tape to minimize breakage, place in an opaque plastic container (such as an empty
yogurt or margarine tub). Wrap the outside of the container or bag with duct or shipping tape to prevent
leakage and further obscure the contents. Dispose of the container in the trash.
4. ICF-MR only: If authorized by the attending physician or the individual’s physician, mediations belonging to
residents shall be given to them when discharged or transferred. This shall be recorded in the resident’s
health record. Unused portions of controlled substances shall be handled by contacting the Minnesota Board
of Pharmacy, which will furnish the necessary instructions and appropriate forms, a copy of which shall be
kept on file in the facility for two years. Any other unused portions of prescription drugs remaining in the
facility after the death or discharge of the resident for whom they were prescribed, or any prescriptions
discontinued permanently, shall be destroyed by the licensee or designee by following the above disposal
methods. A notation of such destruction giving date, quantity, name of medication, and prescription number
shall be recorded on the resident’s chart. Such destruction shall be witnessed and the notation signed by both
persons.
5. To dispose of your syringes/sharps properly you may use one of the following options:
Place syringes/sharps in a puncture resistant container such as a 2-liter pop bottle or liquid laundry
detergent bottle. Make sure the cap is tightly secured; label the container, “HOME SHARPS” and place
it in your garbage for disposal at a solid waste transfer station or with your solid waste hauler.
Purchase a red home sharps disposal container at your local pharmacy. When the container is full, it can
be placed in your garbage for disposal at a solid waste transfer station or with your solid waste hauler.
Revised March 25, 2011 7.6 – Exhibit Page 1 of 1