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I was reminded today as I stared at the growing collection of used Zepbound and Mounjaro pens I had scattered in a box on a shelf, my GLP-1 weight loss journey was about more than just tracking pounds lost. It was also about responsible medication management and environmental consciousness. Here are some resources for you to safely discard and dispose of your Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or Wegovy used pens! This applies for if you are on Tirzepatide or Semaglutide compound also.
The Importance of Proper Medication Disposal
Sharps Disposal Containers
DIY at Home – Check with your local regulations, but many locations allow you to dispose in an empty laundry soap/pod container if you seal it properly with duct tape and label it appropriately as containing sharps. Before doing so, please check your local waste regulations.
Purchase FDA-approved sharps containers from:
- Pharmacies
- Medical supply stores
- Amazon has great options
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Improper disposal of medication pens and sharps can create environmental hazards, pose risks to sanitation workers and potentially expose others to medication remnants. Be a safe and responsible GLP-1 user and reduce the risk for everyone.
Community Disposal Programs
- Local pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS and others may offer sharps recycling services. Ask next time you pick your new supply up!
- Local Hospital often have sharps drop-off locations
- Community health centers are a great resource
Mail-Back Programs
- Some manufacturers offer prepaid disposal containers and mail-back programs
- Check with your specific medication’s manufacturer
- Novo Nordisk (manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy) offers sharps containers which can be mailed to your home. Request one here.
Local Regulations
My local town offers free sharps disposal on certain days of the month. Contact your local village hall, or local police and fire department as they can be a great resource.
- Contact local waste management for specific guidelines as they may vary by state, province or country of residence
- Some areas have specific medical waste collection events
- Visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org and you can search by your local zip code to find additional resources to help
Additional Resources
Disposal Resources
Safety Precautions
- Always consult healthcare provider about disposal
- Never recap needles manually
- Keep medication pens and sharps away from children and pets
- Consider storing disposal container in a locked cabinet
Conclusion
If you are on a weight loss journey with GLP-1 medications remember there are happy and funny stories, yet it is a step toward better health. Ensuring your responsible disposal of your used pens is a step toward a safer community. By following these guidelines and utilizing available resources, you can ensure that your sharps are disposed of properly. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it’s also a meaningful way to contribute to public safety and environmental health. If you are interested in more helpful tips, try our 5-Minute Podcasts available on your favorite streaming services. Comment below on how you dispose of your sharps!