Solid Waste Services
Prescription Medicine Disposal
Improper disposal of unused and expired medications (in pill or liquid form) is a real challenge for residents and the environment. Opportunities for drug abuse pose a risk for children and pets. Improper disposal of medications can also contaminate the soil and water.
In order to give residents the opportunity to turn in expired, unused and unwanted medications, the City of Fort Worth offers environmentally-safe options for the disposal of over-the-counter and prescription drugs (controlled and uncontrolled).
- Pharmacy Drug Take Back Program: certain local pharmacies offer a mail-in system through which residents can safely dispose of unwanted medications. Find a participating community pharmacy near you»
- Environmental Collection Center: Non-controlled and over-the-counter medications can be taken to Fort Worth’s award-winning regional center at 6400 Bridge St. Residents are asked to remove all personal information from containers before dropping off medicines.
- Trash: If you are not able to participate in any of the above mentioned programs, follow these steps to dispose of medication in the household trash:
- Mix medicines (do not crush tablets or open capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as coffee grounds, cat litter or cottage cheese
- place the mixture in a sealed container or plastic bag
- throw the container in the appropriate trash bin.
- Flushing is not recommended as a disposal method for any drug. However, follow disposal instructions on the drug’s label or the patient information that accompanies the medication. You should flush medications only if the label instructs you to do so. If there are no disposal instructions, the recommendation is to find a local take back program.
For more information on any of these disposal options, call the City of Fort Worth information line at 817-392-EASY (3279).
Sharps (needles, syringes, lancets)
Before throwing away sharps, place them in a sharps disposal container or hard plastic/metal with a tightly-secured lid (detergent bottles with screw-on lids or a coffee can). If possible, break off syringe needles to prevent reuse.
General Medical Waste
Place IV bags, plastic tubing and similar medical items in a plastic garbage bag and throw them away in your brown garbage cart. These items are not acceptable recyclable items, whether they are used or not.
Pick-up Day
Customer Service
If you have a concern about garbage, recycling, bulk pick-up or other related issues, call 817-392-EASY (3279) or email trash@fortworthtexas.gov. The call center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.