La Crosse County Sharps and Medication Disposals

Needle Disposal

The safest way to dispose of a used needle is to
immediately place it in a sharps disposal container to
reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts, and punctures
from loose sharps. NEVER throw away loose needles
and other sharps in trash cans or recycling bins, and
never flush them down the toilet.

Needle disposal locations are located on the map with a red star. Locations can be clicked on for more detail. 

Household Users:
  • Where can I dispose of my sharps?
    • Household generated "sharps" including needles, syringes, and lancets are accepted at the La Crosse County Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) facility free of charge from La Crosse County Residents:
      • 3202 Berlin Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601; 608-785-9999
  • ​​How do I turn my sharps into HHM?
    • Sharps must be brought to HHM in approved containers. The only acceptable containers are a registered red "sharps" container or a thick plastic laundry detergent bottle with a screw type cap. Detergent container should be labeled with the word "SHARPS" using black, permanent marker​​
  • Are there outdoor sharps containers that I can use?
    • The following outdoor sharps containers are available for the public to use. These containers are a safe collection option for all needles and syringes. These locations are available on the map.
  • Highway 35 North Wayside (across from Kwik Trip) - Onalaska
  • Oak Forest Dr. Bike Trail (edge of parking lot) - Onalaska
  • 180 E. Jefferson St. (by bike trail) - West Salem
  • Houska Park - La Crosse
  • Near boat ramp off Rose Street - La Crosse
  • Monitor St. between Rose St. and Lang Dr. - La Crosse
  • Health and Human Services Parking Lot (300 4th St. N) - La Crosse
  • Well House 22H at Losey Blvd & Mormon Coulee Rd. - La Crosse
  • HHM Entrance Gate, off Berlin Drive - La Crosse
Are there indoor sharps containers that I can use? Call for more information on availability, accessibility, and limitations
  • Mayo Clinic Health System, 1303 S. Main St., 608-785-0940
  • Gundersen Pharmacy/Degen Berglund, 123 Hale Dr., 608-775-0831
  • Gundersen Pharmacy/Degen Berglund, 111 Sand Lake Rd. 608-775-0831
  • Mayo Clinic Health System, 191 Theater Rd. 608-785-0940
  • Gundersen Pharmacy/Cass Street, 528 Cass St. 608-775-0831
  • Mayo Clinic Health System, 800 West Ave. S. 608-785-0940
  • La Crosse County HHM Facility, 3202 Berlin Drive, La Crosse, WI, 54601, 608-785-9999

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​Non-household/business users:
  • How can my business dispose of its sharps?
    • Businesses can also use the HHM facility. Fees apply, preregistration is required, and service is by appointment only. For more information or to fill out forms, visit https://www.lacrossecounty.org/hmp or call 608-785-9999. Another option, LRI, or Lamp Recyclers, out of Green Bay picks up sharps from businesses in the La Crosse area; you can call 800-558-1166 for more information.
    • Additionally, Stericycle is available for pickup

Medication Disposal
Safe disposal of unused and expired medications can help to protect the people around you and your environment. There are many safe disposal options available in La Crosse County. It is important to not flush or drain medications. 

Medication disposals are listed on the map with a blue square. Locations can be clicked on for more detail.

How to dispose of unused and expired medications: 
  • Option 1: 
    • Remove prescription labels or black out personal information on the label
  • Option 2: 
    • Place loose pills in a zip-top bag and keep liquids in their original containers
​Items NOT for Disposal in the Drop Boxes:
  • No Needles/syringes (use designated needle disposal bins)
  • No Inhalers
  • No personal care products such as shampoo, soaps, vitamins, sunscreen, etc.
  • No illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia​
  • No infectious waste
  • No thermometers
  • No IV bags
  • No batteries
  • No household cosmetics and chemicals

Locations: 
  • ​Gundersen Pharmacy Holmen
  • Onalaska Police Department Lobby
  • Gundersen Pharmacy Onalaska
  • Bangor Police Department Lobby
  • Gundersen Health System Onalaska Clinic
  • Campbell Police Department
  • City of La Crosse Police Department
  • Student Health Center
  • County Sheriff's Department Room 1500 
  • Cass St Pharmacy Gundersen Health System
  • Mayo Clinic Health System Pharmacy 
  • Walgreens, 900 West Ave
  • Gundersen Health System Main Clinic Pharmacy
  • Gundersen Health System East Building Pharmacy
  • Gundersen Pharmacy La Crosse

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