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Drug Disposal

Help prevent drug abuse, overdose, and keep our water supply clean by participating in the Manitowoc County Drug Disposal Program.  Residents may bring unwanted drugs and medications to these programs free of charge.

“Flushing unwanted medications down the toilet, or in the trash, has added to the problem of medications in our water supplies.” – Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

“Unused medications are being used inappropriately, stolen, or ending up on the street.” – Metro Drug Task Force Commander

Drug Disposal Program 2024 Flyer
Drug Disposal Program 2024 Flyer – Spanish Version

Directions

Remove pills from original container and put them in a sealed “Ziploc” style bag that is quart size or smaller before placing in the drug drop box.  Empty pill containers may be placed in your home recycling or trash.  Liquid, powder, and cream medications should remain in the original bottles with caps tightened.

YES
Prescription drugs in bags for recycling

DROP:
-Unused and/or expired medications
-Over-the-counter medications
–Prescription medications
-Pet medications
-Controlled substances
-Supplements

NO
Do not dispose of prescription drugs in original container

DO NOT DROP:
-Sharps (needles, syringes, lancets, etc.)
-Chemical waste/mercury products
-Electronic glucose monitors
-Non-medical inhalers
-Business/long term care medications
-Empty pill bottles
-Personal care products (shampoo, cosmetics, etc.)

Permanent Dropboxes

  • Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office: 1025 South 9th Street, Manitowoc, 8am-3:30pm M-F
  • Manitowoc City Police Department: 910 Jay Street, Manitowoc, 7:30am-4:30pm M-Th, 7:30am-11:30am F
  • Two Rivers Police Department: 1717 East Park Street, Two Rivers, 8am-4:30pm M-F
  • Kiel Police Department: 619 Paine Street, Kiel, 7:30am-3pm M-F
  • Mishicot Police Department: 511 East Main Street, Mishicot, open during Village Hall hours

    Some local pharmacies offer Drug Drop Boxes as well. Since they are not part of the Manitowoc County program, they may have slightly different guidelines. They are a safe and secure method to dispose of your old medications and may be more convenient for many people. Check at your local pharmacy for details.

Guidelines

  • Accepted drugs include prescriptions, over the counter, pet medications, controlled substances, and supplements.
  • Place pills in a “Ziplock” style bag that is quart size or less. Pills can be mixed into one bag.
  • Liquids, crèmes, and powders can stay in the original container with caps tightened.
  • Pill bottles and boxes are NOT accepted.  Cross out your personal information and dispose of them or recycle them at home.
  • Needles, sharps, mercury devices, chemical waste, electronic glucose monitors, non-medical inhalers, and personal care products like shampoo and cosmetics will NOT be accepted.
  • Do NOT bring medications to drug disposal events before or after the listed times.
  • Households only.  Businesses should call 920-683-4333 for disposal information.
  • Practice safe storage by keeping your medications in a secured location.
  • Practice reduction by consulting with your physician about your medication needs.
  • Never share your prescriptions with another person.

Manitowoc County may modify these guidelines at any time to meet the needs of the program.