Sandia Heights Sanitation

Bio-Medical & Pharmaceutical Waste

Bio-medical waste pickup is not available through Sandia Heights Sanitation — find licensed disposal companies, public sharps drop-off locations, and medication disposal guidance here.

Bio-medical waste originates from healthcare settings and includes used syringes, bandages, surgical gloves, and blood bags contaminated with bodily fluids or pathogens. Such waste must be disposed of in a way that prevents infection, contamination, or injury. Bio-medical waste pickup is not available through Sandia Heights Sanitation.

Albuquerque Bio-Waste Disposal Companies

Stericycle1920 1st St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 · (505) 247-9454

Logical Family Solutions7120 Bloodstone Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 · (505) 821-9969

MedPro Waste Disposal, LLCServing the Albuquerque Area · (888) 599-5122

Instructions for Proper Sharps Disposal

Place household sharps (needles, lancets, razor blades) in a rigid plastic container (detergent or bleach bottle)
Do not use glass or coffee cans
Label container “Contains Sharps” with a waterproof marker
Immediately place used syringes or lancets into the container
Screw top after each use
Do not clip, bend, or recap needles
Keep away from children
Add tablespoons of household bleach for safety
Seal with heavy-duty tape when full
Take to a drop-off collection site

Public Sharps Drop-Off Locations

Midtown Public Health Office

Address2400 Wellesley Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107

HoursMon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Phone(505) 841-4100

Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless

Address1217 1st St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

HoursMon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Wed 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Phone(505) 766-5197

First Choice — South Valley Family Health Commons

Address2001 N. Centro Familiar Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

HoursMon–Fri 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Phone(505) 873-7423

North Valley Public Health Office

Address7704 2nd St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

HoursSharps container available 24 hours

Phone(505) 222-6500

Household Pharmaceutical Disposal Program

Medications can be properly disposed at the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center located at 5350 2nd St NW (south of Montano Road on 2nd Street, behind the Gerald Cline Memorial Police Substation).

Metropolitan Forensic Science Center

HoursMonday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Phone(505) 823-4200

Not Accepted at This Location

Liquids, injectables, or syringes
Chemo or medical waste
Inhalers or other personal care items

For more information, visit the EPA Management of Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals website.

Medications Disposal at APD Command Substations

Medications may also be disposed at any of the six area APD Command Substations, including the James Dwyer Mini-Substation and Old Town Mini-Substation. Hours for all stations: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Foothills Area Command12800 Lomas NE, ABQ 87123 · (505) 332-5240

Northeast Area Command8201 Osuna Rd NE, ABQ 87109 · (505) 823-4455

Southeast Area Command800 Louisiana SE, ABQ 87108 · (505) 256-2050

Valley Area Command5408 2nd St. NW, ABQ 87107 · (505) 761-8800

Southwest Area Command6404 Los Volcanes Rd NW, ABQ 87121 · (505) 831-4705

Northwest Area Command10401 Cibola Loop NW, ABQ 87114 · (505) 768-4850

James Dwyer Memorial Substation12700 Montgomery NE, ABQ 87111 · (505) 332-5254

Old Town Community Substation2060 Central Avenue SW, ABQ 87104 · (505) 244-6643

Trash Disposal of Medications

Other prescriptions should be disposed in regular trash following these steps:

Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it and add water to dissolve it.
Add an absorbent material such as kitty litter, sawdust, or coffee grounds to the plastic bag.
Seal the plastic bag and place it into the trash.
Protect yourself by destroying all identifying information from medical containers before disposing.