Medication Safety & Disposal

Medication safety and disposal are crucial for protecting public health and the environment. 

Proper disposal of medications prevents accidental ingestion by children, pets or visitors, while limiting environmental contamination, and preventing misuse or abuse.

By following guidelines for safe storage and disposal, individuals can contribute to a healthier community and a cleaner ecosystem.

Medication Safety For Seniors

Keep an Updated Medication List

Include all prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Bring your list to every doctor or pharmacist visit.

Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist

Ask if OTC medications or supplements are safe for you.
Discuss possible interactions, especially with alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis.

Take Medications as Prescribed

Follow dosage, timing, and instructions carefully.
Do not stop or change medications without talking to your doctor.

Watch for Side Effects

Contact your doctor about new or worsening symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or nausea.
Seek help right away if something doesn’t feel right.

Know the Signs of an Overdose

Call for help if someone shows:

  • Slow or stopped breathing

  • Unresponsiveness or cannot be awakened

  • Blue or gray lips/fingertips

  • Gurgling or choking sounds

How to Respond to an Overdose

  • Call 911 immediately

  • Stay with the person until help arrives

  • If available, administer naloxone (Narcan)

  • If able, perform rescue breathing

  • Place the person on their side (recovery position)

We provide FREE educational presentations and supplies for safe use, storage, and disposal

Receive free tools to help you manage medications safely, including:

  • Lock bags for secure storage

  • Disposal pouches for unused medications

  • Information on local medication drop boxes and resources

Safe storage helps prevent misuse.
Proper disposal protects others and the environment.

REQUEST NOW

Medication Safety Tips For Parents + Caretakers

Provided courtesy of SafeKids.org

    • Keep medicine up and away. Store all medicines and vitamins out of children’s reach and sight—ideally at or above counter height.

    • Watch common access points. Kids often find medicine in purses, bags, or nightstands—keep these stored high or out of reach.

    • Don’t forget everyday health products. Items like vitamins, creams, and eye drops can be harmful—store them safely just like medications.

    • Use child-resistant packaging. These help but aren’t foolproof, so always keep all containers—especially non-child-resistant ones—out of reach and sight.

    • Read the label. Check active ingredients to avoid giving more than one medicine with the same ingredient.

    • Follow dosing directions. Always use the current instructions on the label. Remember that directions may change.

    • Use the proper device. Only use the dosing tool that comes with the medicine—not kitchen spoons.

    • Give clear instructions. Make sure caregivers know what to give, how much, and when.

    • Only adults give medicine. Teach kids not to take medicine on their own.

    • Don’t call it candy. This can encourage unsafe use.

    • Model safe habits. Store medicine out of reach and follow label directions whenever taking or giving medication.

    • Teach older kids. Show them how to use medicine responsibly and remind them that over the counter medicine should be taken with the same care and caution as prescriptions—see the Scholastic OTC Medicine Safety Program for tips.

  • Save the number for Upstate NY Poison Center in your phone and post it visibly at home: 1-800-222-1222.

    Specialists at poison centers provide free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day. They can answer questions about how to give or take medicine and help with poison emergencies.

    • Share safety info. Make sure caregivers (family, babysitters, friends) know safe practices and the Poison Center number.

    • Learn more. Visit the Association of Poison Control Centers for additional poison prevention information.

Line drawing icon of a soda vending machine with a can being dispensed.

Medication Disposal Locations

Drop off Medications at any of these locations all year long.

  • 16 Railroad Ave, Cairo, NY 12413

    Open: 8am – 12am, Whenever an officer is on duty

    Call to drop off: 518-622-2324

  • 77 Main Street, Chatham

    Call Columbia County Sheriff, ask for Chatham drop box

    (518)828-3344

  • 119 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, NY

    Open: 8am-12am

    518-731-8121

  • 85 Industrial Tract, Hudson, NY 12534

    Open 24/7

    518-828-3344

  • 159 Jefferson Heights

    Catskill, NY 12414

    M-F 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm

    518-943-1715

  • Crossroad at Route 22 and Route 23, Hillsdale, NY 12529

    Open 24/7

    518-828-3344

  • 45 Haverly Drive, Coxsackie, NY 12192

    9am-5pm

    518-943-3300

  • 71 Prospect Ave, Hudson, NY 12534

    Open 24/7

  • 7309 NY Route 81

    East Durham, NY 12423

    Call prior to drop off

    518-731-6310

  • 2967 Route 9, Valatie, NY 12184

    Open 24/7

    518-758-8800

  • 34 Hope Plaza

    West Coxsackie, NY 12192

    M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 9am-1pm

    518-731-4800

  • 107 Union Street, Hudson, NY 12534

    Call first

    518-828-3388

  • 4852 State Route 81

    Greenville, NY 12083

    M-F 9am-7pm, Sat/Sun 9am-3pm

    518-966-4800

  • 371 NY-296, Hensonville, NY

    9am – 3pm Daily

    Call to drop off: 518-734-3030

  • 61 ST NY 296 Windham, NY 12439

    M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm

    518-734-3033

Outline of a trash bin with a syringe symbol on it.

Sharps Disposal Kiosk Locations

Drop off used or unwanted needles & syringes in containers up to 1 quart only

  • 32 NY-82, Hudson

    SHARPS ACCEPTED

    KIOSK LOCATED OUTSIDE

    24/7

  • 2967 US-9, Valatie

    SHARPS ACCEPTED

    KIOSK LOCTED OUTSDE

    24/7

  • 107 Union Street, Hudson

    SHARPS ACCEPTED

    KIOSK LOCATED INSIDE 24/7

Drug Take Back Day Locations

Support DEA Drug Take-Back Day twice a year in April and October