Stephens County Sites Join Statewide Effort to Safely Dispose of Medications and Sharps

Oklahomans are being urged to safely dispose of unwanted medications and used medical sharps this fall as part of the Oklahoma Meds and Sharps Disposal Committee’s (OMSDC) annual Safe Disposal Campaign.

In Stephens County, several collection sites are participating, including the Marlow Police Department, Thompson’s Pharmacy in Comanche, R&S Drug in Duncan, The Chickasaw Nation Duncan Senior Center, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, and Duncan Police Department.

The statewide campaign, supported by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), aims to protect families, sanitation workers, and the environment from the dangers of improper disposal.

Each year, Oklahomans generate about 60 million used medical sharps, which can spread disease or injure sanitation workers if thrown in household trash. Medications that are flushed or discarded can also contaminate waterways.

“Sharps and medications should never end up in the trash or down the drain—and thanks to our network of safe disposal sites, they don’t have to,” said Patrick Riley, DEQ’s Environmental Programs Manager for Solid Waste and Sustainability.

The campaign coincides with DEA Take-Back Day on October 25, which provides a one-day opportunity to return unwanted medications. However, since that program doesn’t accept sharps, OMSDC’s initiative connects residents with year-round disposal options.

Local residents can find nearby drop-off sites anytime by visiting oksafemeddisposal.org

, which features an interactive map of safe and secure disposal locations across the state.

“Having access to safe and convenient sharps disposal isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity,” said Choctaw Nation pharmacist Justin Wilcox. “These programs help protect our patients, our families, and our communities.”

For more information or to learn how to start a community disposal program, visit oksafemeddisposal.org.