A statewide ban on the disposal of needles, syringes and lancets (collectively known as "sharps") went into effect July 1, 2012. The law stipulates that disposal of sharps will not be allowed in regular household trash in Massachusetts.
Wellesley residents cannot dispose of their sharps in the trash at the RDF, or in their household trash collected by a private trash hauler.
Storing Sharps Until Disposal
Place sharps into an approved (usually red) sharps container, or other sturdy, puncture and leak-proof container (i.e. small coffee can or rigid plastic container). No loose sharps. If possible, fill the container before bringing it to the kiosk or other approved location.
Residents may bring sharps to a kiosk located at the Wellesley Fire Department at 457 Worcester Street daily from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Residents only, no medical offices, pharmacies, or medical waste companies are allowed.
Medication Disposal
Unused or expired medications can be disposed of at the Wellesley Police Department at 485 Washington Street.
Medication disposal is allowed for residents only.
Accepted Items
Prescriptions
Prescription Patches
Prescription Medications
Prescription Ointments
Over-the-counter Medications
Vitamins
Samples
Pet Medications
Not Accepted Items
Hydrogen Peroxide
Inhalers
Thermometers
Needles (Sharps)
Medication from Businesses/Clinics
Over-the-counter Ointments
Over-the-counter Lotions
Over-the-counter Liquids
Take-Back Days
There are Medication and Needle Take-Back Days each year in the Spring and Fall. There is also a Household Hazardous Products Collection Day once a year in May.
