Medical Waste Disposal
Announcements:
KPD To Host Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25.
The Kauaʻi Police Department (KPD), in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will host a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3990 Kaʻana Street in Līhuʻe. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications using the anonymous drive-thru drop-off service available on the east side of the KPD building.
Various forms of medications will be accepted, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and patches, whether prescription or non-prescription. Please note that needles and syringes, whether new or used, will not be accepted.
This service is completely free and anonymous, no questions will be asked.
This initiative is part of a national campaign led by the DEA aimed at providing a secure and responsible way to dispose of medications while raising awareness about the risks of drug misuse and the importance of proper storage and disposal.
Improperly discarded medications can harm the environment and potentially enter the water supply, endangering aquatic life. Additionally, unused medications in homes pose a significant risk of misuse or abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most individuals who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from friends or family.
During the last event in April, more than 2,500 pounds were turned in at collection sites throughout Hawai‘i.
For those unable to attend the event, a permanently installed medication dropbox is available at the KPD building in Līhu‘e for the anonymous disposal of unused or expired medications at any time.
For more information about the National Drug Take Back Initiative, visit the DEA’s website.
Medical waste for businesses
Businesses looking to dispose of biohazards and medical/infectious waste should contact the Oahu-based companies listed below for more information:
For more information call the Department of Heath at (808) 586-4226.
Instructions for Disposing Medical Needles (Sharps)
- Sharps should be stored in a strong, leak proof plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
- The container should be clearly marked “BIOHAZARD”.
- When the container is full, it should be filled with one part bleach and ten parts water and allowed to soak for 20 minutes.
- The solution should then be poured into a sink, and the container should be sealed with its original cap. As a safety measure, heavy duty tape should be placed on the cap
- Dispose of the container in your regular household trash.
Prescription Medication Take Back Opportunities
KAUAI POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Kaua‘i Police Department now hosts medication drop boxes through the Hawaii Medication Drop Box Program. Boxes are located at the Kaua‘i Police Department Headquarters in Lihue at 3990 Ka'ana Street.
Please have all medication packaged in a clear plastic bag. Tablets, capsules, and all other solid forms of medication: prescription or nonprescription- including patches, are accepted. The service is free and anonymous. For information on the medication drop box program, please call 241-1681.
Needles and syringes are not accepted.
Bins are for residential use only, no businesses allowed.
KPD's Lt. Scott Brede and Sgt. Sandy Wakumoto stand next to KPD's new medication drop box at Police Headquarters, 3990 Kaʻana Street, in Līhu‘e . The public is asked to place medication in a clear bag before disposing in the drop box.
SAFEWAY
Safeway in Lihue and Kapaa have installed in-store drug disposal units for safe disposal of unwanted medications. Drop-off is available only during pharmacy hours. Acceptable items include prescription, over the counter, and liquid medications. Items not accepted include Illegal schedule 1 drugs, needles or sharps, medical devices, aerosol cans and inhalers, chemicals, and mercury containing devices.
LONGS DRUGS
Longs Drug Stores in Lihue and Kapaa have installed in-store drug disposal units for safe disposal of unwanted medications. Acceptable items include prescription, over the counter, and liquid medications. Items not accepted include Illegal schedule 1 drugs, needles or sharps, medical devices, aerosol cans and inhalers, chemicals, and mercury containing devices.
BI-ANNUAL TAKE BACK EVENTS
The Drug Enforcement Administration continues to coordinate a bi-annual take back events for expired medication. Events are tentatively scheduled for the 4th Saturday in October and April of each year. The events take place at Kaua‘i Police Department Headquarters from 10 am to 2 pm.
For more information visit www.dea.gov or call (808) 541-1930.