Mission Viejo residents can dispose of sharps waste and unwanted medications at Norman P. Murray Center

Mission Viejo residents can dispose of sharps waste and unwanted medications in the secure drop boxes inside the lobby at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior, 24932 Veterans Way.

Under State law, it's illegal to dispose of sharps waste (like hypodermic needles, lancets and test strips) in trash or recycling containers. Folks can access the sharps disposal box during business hours from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. It's free to use. For safety reasons, sharps waste must be placed in a rigid and puncture-resistant container (laundry detergent bottle, soda bottle or medical sharps container) before dropping it in the secure drop box. Loose materials cannot be accepted.

Along with sharps, proper disposal of medications is essential. Don't dump medication down the toilet. Ingredients in medications aren't completely removed by the wastewater treatment plant before they are discharged to the ocean. Dispose of expired or unwanted non-controlled prescription and over-the-counter medications by dropping them in the secure medication disposal container. Medication must be removed from pill containers and placed in a re-sealable bag. Controlled medication will not be accepted.

For more information, visit https://cityofmissionviejo.org/green or email greenmv@cityofmissionviejo.org.