At Grasonville Health Services, we know how important it is to keep your medications & medical supplies secure—not just for your own safety, but for your family, pets, & the environment. Whether you’re on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or managing other prescriptions, safe storage & disposal help prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, & contamination.
How to Store Medications Safely
✔ Lock Them Up – Always keep your medications in a locked cabinet or drawer, especially if you have kids, pets, or visitors in your home. This is especially important for controlled substances like MAT medications, pain relievers, & sedatives. *Note- All Clinics, including GHS, REQUIRE a lock box.
✔ Keep Labels Intact – Medications should stay in their original bottles with labels attached. This prevents mix-ups & ensures you have the correct dosing instructions.
✔ Never Share Your Meds – Even if someone has similar symptoms, what’s safe for you could be dangerous for them. Plus- it’s illegal & could be considered distribution.
How to Safely Dispose of Medications
✔ Use a Take-Back Program – The best way to dispose of unused medications is through authorized drop-off sites or drug take-back events.
✔ Follow FDA Disposal Guidelines – If a take-back site isn’t available, check the FDA’s medication disposal guidelines for safe at-home options.
✔ Don’t Flush Medications – Unless the label specifically says it’s safe, flushing meds can contaminate the water supply.
✔ MAT Medications – If you take methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, your provider may have specific disposal recommendations. Always check before doing anything else.
Deterra: A Safe & Easy Way to Dispose of Medications
If you have leftover meds & no drop-off site nearby, Deterra makes disposal simple, safe, & eco-friendly.
How It Works:
• Place unused pills, patches, or liquids in the Deterra pouch.
• Add water, which activates the carbon-based technology to neutralize the drugs.
• Seal the pouch & throw it in the trash—it’s completely safe for the environment.
➡️ Need a Deterra pouch? Ask your counselor—we have them at GHS!
How to Dispose of Needles & Sharps Safely
If you use injections for any medications, never throw needles in the trash or flush them. Loose sharps can cause serious injuries & spread infections like HIV & Hepatitis B or C. Remember to always cap them!
✔ Always use an FDA-approved SHARPS container – These are puncture-proof & leak-resistant, keeping needles safely contained.
✔ Never Overfill – Once the container is ¾ full, seal it properly & take it to a drop-off site.
✔ Find a Disposal Site – Many pharmacies, hospitals, & hazardous waste centers accept sharps for safe disposal.
By using proper disposal methods, you’re helping prevent injuries, protect public health, & keep our community safe.
Why Proper Storage & Disposal Matter
Not handling medications & sharps correctly can lead to:
– Accidental poisoning in kids & pets
– Misuse, addiction, or overdose risks
– Environmental contamination
Taking these simple steps makes a big difference in keeping yourself, your loved ones, & your community safe.
Need Help With Medication Storage or Disposal?
Each clinic may have different rules, especially for MAT medications. If you’re unsure, reach out to Grasonville Health Services or the clinic where you received your meds.
Contact Information:
📍 Address: 101 Drummer Drive, Grasonville, MD
📞 Phone: +1 (410) 413-7880
🌐 Website: https://communityrhs.com
Let’s work together to keep medications & sharps safe, secure, & properly disposed of—because protecting our community starts with all of us.
NOTE* Don’t Stop ANY Medications Without Talking to Your Doctor FIRST. This post is geared towards “leftover” meds- This post is strictly for educational purposes.
Stopping any medication suddenly can lead to serious health risks, especially with MAT medications like methadone, buprenorphine, & naltrexone. Quitting without medical guidance can cause withdrawal symptoms, relapse risks, & other complications.
Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan—they can help you safely adjust or taper your medication if needed. Your health & recovery matter!
