Excelsior Springs, Mo. — A new MedSafe medication disposal bin has been installed at the Excelsior Springs Hospital Community Pharmacy, offering residents a secure and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications, filling a gap in local public safety efforts.
The community had been without a safe disposal site for medical waste since October 2023, when extremely old and hazardous chemicals were improperly discarded in the Excelsior Springs Police Department’s takeback bin. The incident, which seriously endangered a police specialist, resulted in the immediate removal of the department’s collection bin. Full story →
Now, Excelsior Springs Hospital has stepped in to fill that void. The newly installed MedSafe bin, located in the pharmacy’s waiting room, has been approved by the Missouri State Board of Pharmacy and is registered with the DEA. The system offers a safe, anonymous, and environmentally responsible method for residents to dispose of unwanted medications.
“This is a meaningful service to offer our community,” said Heather Buehrer, pharmacist at Excelsior Springs Hospital. “We wanted a safe and accessible solution that reduces risk and ensures proper handling of medications.”
What You Can Drop Off
The MedSafe bin accepts a wide range of commonly used medications, including:
Prescription drugs (Schedules II–V controlled substances and non-controlled medications)
Over-the-counter medications
Liquid medications in bottles under 4 oz., sealed inside a zip-lock bag
Original packaging, if possible, is preferred for all items
What Is NOT Accepted
To ensure safety and regulatory compliance, the bin does not accept the following:
Illegal (Schedule I) drugs
Needles, syringes, or sharps containers
Medical devices or batteries
Aerosol cans and inhalers
Chemicals or mercury-containing devices
Radiopharmaceuticals
Liquid antineoplastic agents, such as chemotherapy drugs or cytotoxic medications
Residents can drop items off during pharmacy hours. A third-party, certified medical waste handler services the bin, ensuring that staff are not exposed to any potentially hazardous substances.
“The previous incident showed just how dangerous improper disposal can be,” Buehrer said. “With the MedSafe system, no one from the hospital ever has to touch the medications. It’s locked, tamper-resistant, and everything inside is destroyed using a DEA-compliant process.”
By installing this bin, Excelsior Springs Hospital joins hundreds of facilities nationwide working to prevent accidental poisonings, drug misuse, and environmental contamination.
“This may seem like a small thing, but having a reliable, year-round disposal option really matters,” Buehrer added. “We’re proud to be part of the solution.”
Excelsior Springs Community Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can find them inside Excelsior Springs Hospital, located at 1700 Rainbow Boulevard, or call (816) 629-3667 for questions or support.
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