How to Dispose of EpiPens and Single-Use Injectable Medication Devices

In the ongoing battle to reduce waste and promote sustainability, single-use injectable medication devices, such as EpiPens and insulin pens, are often overlooked categories. These lifesaving tools are indispensable for many, but their environmental impact is significant.

Auto-Injection devices are critical tools for people with severe allergies, but they present a danger to recycling workers and even your family or janitorial staff if not handled properly. As of 2015, approximately 15 million EpiPens were manufactured worldwide, with millions more single-use injectors for other medications like insulin, epinephrine, and migraine treatments also produced. With more drugs, such as the new GLP-1 weight loss pharmaceuticals, now delivered by injection, understanding how to dispose of or recycle them correctly can make a substantial difference.

The Parts Of Epipens and Auto-Injection Devices

These devices are typically made from a combination of plastic, metal, and electronic components, making them complex to dispose of or recycle. Without proper disposal methods, they often end up in landfills, contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution and electronic waste.

An EpiPen, for instance, contains several components:

• Plastic Housing: The outer casing of an EpiPen is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, both of which are plastics that can be recycled under the right conditions. These parts would need to be separated in order to put them into the recycling system.
• Metal Spring: A metal spring mechanism delivers the medication inside the device. This metal is often steel, which is highly recyclable.
• Electronic Circuitry: Some devices contain small electronic components for features like automatic needle retraction. These elements fall under electronic waste (e-waste) and require specialized recycling.

With the market for single-use injectables growing—driven by increasing rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and severe allergies—the environmental footprint of these devices is expanding. The insulin delivery device market is projected to reach over $46 billion by 2028. As the demand for these essential medical devices rises, so does the need for sustainable disposal solutions.

Why Recycling Matters

Improper disposal of single-use injectables poses several environmental risks. The plastic components can take hundreds of years to decompose, leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and water. While less harmful, the metal components still contribute to the growing problem of metal waste in landfills. Additionally, devices with electronic components add to the mounting challenge of e-waste, which contains hazardous substances that can contaminate ecosystems if not properly managed.

Recycling these devices helps reduce waste and allows for the recovery of valuable materials. Plastics can be repurposed into new products, metals can be melted down and reused, and electronic components can be safely processed to extract reusable materials like copper and gold.

California, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin have laws prohibiting the disposal of sharps in the trash, and those states that do not may still require certain steps before tossing any medical sharps in your garbage. For example, 32 states require sharps be placed in a container and labeled before placing them in the trash while Louisiana mandates they be placed in plaster and New Jersey wants needles and syringes destroyed with a needle clipper before disposal.

How to Recycle Single-Use Injectable Devices

Recycling EpiPens and other single-use injectable devices is more complex than recycling household items like cans or bottles. Here’s how you can do your part:

1. Return injectors to the
2. Take used injectors to your pharmacy: Walgreens offers a collection box for sale that can be returned for disposal, as does CVS. Many hospital pharmacies will accept sharps, as well. SafeNeedleDisposal.org and the Drug Enforcement Administration offer a comprehensive search tool to help you find local drug and sharps drop-off sites.
3. Check with the Manufacturer: Some pharmaceutical companies offer take-back programs for their products. These programs allow you to return used devices for safe disposal or recycling. Always check the manufacturer’s website or contact customer service for more information. For example:
   • Pfizer, which makes the EpiPen, offers guidance on proper disposal, but no mail-in services.
   • Novo Nordisk’s ReMed Program helps users of Novo Nordisk insulin pens in Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Denmark, and the U.K. return them for recycling. The program is not available in the United States.
   • Sanofi’s Soliqua 100/33 Disposal Guide provides information, but no paid mail-in services, for safely disposing of their injector pens in the United States. It has launched take-back programs in Germany and Denmark.
4. Use a Sharps Disposal Container: If a take-back program is unavailable, place used injectors in a designated sharps disposal container. These containers are made from puncture-resistant plastic and are designed to store medical waste safely. Many pharmacies and health clinics offer drop-off services for full sharps containers. 
5. Look for Specialized Recycling Programs: Certain recycling companies specialize in processing medical waste, including single-use injectables. These companies can safely separate the components of the device and recycle them appropriately. Stericycle offers collection programs for facilities that use its products and PureWay offers mail-in sharps disposal.
6. Consult Local Waste Management Services: Some local waste management programs may accept medical devices as part of their hazardous or electronic waste collection services. Contact your local waste management provider to inquire about recycling options in your area.

Moving Into a Sustainable, Healthy Future

As the use of single-use injectable devices continues to grow, the need for sustainable disposal methods becomes increasingly urgent. By properly recycling these devices, you’re not only helping to reduce waste but also contributing to the recovery of valuable materials that can be reused in new products.

It’s time to make a conscious effort to manage the environmental impact of these lifesaving devices. Whether participating in manufacturer take-back programs, using sharps disposal containers, or seeking specialized recycling services, every step counts in our collective journey toward a more sustainable future. Let’s take action today to ensure that the tools we rely on for our health do not harm our planet.