Proper Disposal Programs
The laws governing the handling of prescription drugs are stringent. Take-back collection programs are legal only under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.
Two “Drug Collection for Proper Disposal” programs exist in Utah. The Salt Lake City Police Department and the Salt Lake County Sherriff’s Office 
each have established a proper disposal program for their residents by installing locked, mounted steel collection bins in the lobbies of their stations.
Each agency then collects and processes the drugs using their evidence department and protocols, which include destruction of the drugs through incineration. These programs have proven successful and can be replicated in other communities as a way to further protect public health and the environment. However, only two collection programs currently exist in the entire state of Utah.
Limited funding for Law Enforcement Agencies is available to establish a “Drug Collection for Proper Disposal” program. Click here for more information.
Where Can I Properly Dispose of my Medications?
New! Park City Area Medication Disposal Events
Recycle Utah’s “No Flush“ Campaign is working to keep prescription medications out of the landfill, the watershed and our toilets.
When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 9-11 AM & Saturday, October 4th 9-11 AM
Where: Recycle Utah’s Center, Woodbine Way
Pilot Pharmaceutical Drug Disposal Program - Salt Lake City Police Department/Public Utilities
Bring old and outdated prescription medications to the following locations for proper disposal:
- Police Station
M-F, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
1040 West 700 South
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 799-4601 - Police Station
M-F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
315 East 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 799-3000 - Herriman Sheriff Substation
M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
13272 South 5600 West
Herriman, UT 84096
(801) 302-2080 - Cottonwood Heights Sheriff Substation
M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
7480 South 2700 East
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
(801) 944-1830 - Holladay Sheriff Substation
M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
4570 South 2300 East
Holladay, UT 84117
(801) 270-0426
Do your part and dispose of your old medications properly. The Police Department will dispose of these materials by incineration. This is a small step that you can take, to help protect our community and our water supply. If you are unable to bring to one of the Police Stations listed below, then dispose of your medications in your trash on the day of collection.
For more information, you can call the Salt Lake Valley Health Department at 801-313-6745.
Proper Pharmaceutical Drug Disposal Brochures
- Proper Disposal Brochure, Front (4.95 mb)
- Proper Disposal Brochure, Back (5.91 mb)
Additional Links and Resources
- Pharmaceutical Waste Management - Issues and Options for Health Systems
- Managing Pharmaceutical Waste: A Discussion Guide for Health-System Pharmacists
* Note: Some of the files on this page require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.