Quick answer: If you use Wegovy, you'll need a sharps container to safely dispose of your used injector pens and needles since they can't go in household trash. Luckily, you can get a free sharps container through Novo Nordisk's Drug Disposal Program!
If you're one of the millions of Americans using Wegovy to support your weight-loss journey, you've already taken a big step toward improving your health.
But there's a part of the process many people don't expect: figuring out what to do with all those used Wegovy pens and needles that can't simply be tossed in the trash or recycling.
So, how can you safely and affordably dispose of your Wegovy pens at home?
The answer is simple: use a sharps container. And you can actually get one for free through Novo Nordisk's official drug disposal program.
In this guide, we'll talk about why proper disposal matters, how to get your free sharps container, and a few easy ways to handle Wegovy disposal safely when you're traveling.
Related article: How to Store Wegovy Like a Pro
Do I Need a Sharps Container for Wegovy?
Yes, you absolutely do. Every Wegovy injection pen counts as medical sharps waste. Once used, the pen contains a needle and traces of medication that can still be hazardous if not disposed of properly.
Disposing of medical sharps is not only potentially harmful, it is also illegal.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all sharps, including needles, syringes, and injector pens, should be disposed of in a proper sharps container that is:
✅ Made of heavy-duty plastic
✅ Sealed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid
✅ Leak-resistant sides and bottom
✅ Clearly labeled with a biohazard warning
✅ Stable enough to remain upright during use
Related article: Traveling with Wegovy: Travel Cases and Flying Tips
Why proper Wegovy disposal matters
Used Wegovy pens may look harmless, but when you're injecting weekly, they add up fast.
Improper disposal can lead to needle-stick injuries, spread infections like hepatitis or HIV, and even contaminate the environment if thrown in the trash.
Using a proper Wegovy sharps container keeps your home, family, and community safe!
How to dispose of Wegovy pens and medical waste
Once your Wegovy sharps container is full, it's important to dispose of it properly.
Here's how to do it safely in the U.S.:
- Seal the container tightly and make sure it's clearly labeled.
- Do not place it in household trash or recycling bins.
- Take it to a designated disposal site. These can include: hospital or clinic drop boxes, some local pharmacies, or household hazardous waste facilities.
💡 Pro tip: To find a drop-off site near you, visit safeneedledisposal.org to find one in your area.
Related article: How to Dispose of Your Sharps Safely!
Can I make my own Wegovy sharps container at home?
Yes, if you don't have access to a medical-grade container right away, you can safely DIY a sharps container using a sturdy household item like an empty laundry detergent bottle.
When making a sharps container, be sure to:
- Choose a thick plastic bottle with a screw-on or tight-fitting lid.
- Label it clearly with "Do Not Recycle - Sharps Waste."
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- When full, follow your state or county's rules for medical waste disposal.
While this works in a pinch, a proper Wegovy sharps container is safer and more convenient, especially since some states have strict regulations on sharps disposal.
Related article: Does Wegovy Expire? How Long Does It Last In & Out of the Fridge?
Free Wegovy Sharps Container: Novo Nordisk's Disposal Program
One of the biggest frustrations Wegovy users face is the cost and inconvenience of buying and disposing of sharps containers.
Luckily, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, has a free solution for U.S. patients.
Through the Novo Nordisk Drug Disposal Program, Wegovy users, or anyone using a Novo Nordisk medication, can request a free sharps container and a medication return box.
Here's what you get:
- 1.2-gallon PureWay sharps container
- Prepaid return shipping box and label
- Free return disposal service, just mail it back when it's full!
No more hunting for the right container or guessing where to take it.
With this program, you simply collect your used pens, seal the container when it's full, and send it back using the prepaid shipping box. It's safe, simple, and completely free!
How to Order Your Free Wegovy Sharps Container
Getting your free sharps container is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Here's how:
- Visit the Novo Nordisk Drug Disposal Program page.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you'll find the section where you can request your sharps container.
- Fill out your information: name, address, and confirm that you're a U.S. resident using a Novo Nordisk medication like Wegovy.
- Wait for your container to arrive by mail. Your 1.2-gallon sharps container and prepaid return box will be shipped to you the next day!
Once your sharps container arrives, keep the original shipping box, as you'll use it later to send the filled container back for free.
So now you're all set for safe Wegovy disposal at home. But what happens when you hit the road or hop on a plane?
Let's talk about how to stay prepared while traveling.
How to Dispose of Wegovy Pens & Needles While Traveling
If you're traveling with Wegovy, you still need to safely store your used pens and needles until you can dispose of them properly.
The good news is, you can travel with a sharps container, and in fact, if you're flying, it's required.
According to TSA, used syringes are allowed in carry-on bags when transported in a sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.
That means you can pack your used Wegovy pens in a sharps container while you travel. The free sharps container from Novo Nordisk is compact enough to fit in a standard carry-on suitcase, so it can travel with you if you have the space.
You can also use a sturdy household substitute, like a small detergent bottle, as a temporary solution until you return home.
Related article: Travel Sharps Containers for Safe Disposal on the Go!
Final Tips to Stay Smart with Your Wegovy Sharps
Properly disposing of your Wegovy pens doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With Novo Nordisk's free sharps container program, you can safely collect, store, and return your used pens from the comfort of home.
Whether you're managing your Wegovy routine at home or on the go, responsible disposal keeps your family, sanitation workers, and community safe!
Don't forget these key takeaways:
💉 Always use a Wegovy sharps container: Used pens and needles are medical waste and should never go in household trash or recycling.
♻️ Get one for free: Novo Nordisk's Drug Disposal Program provides a free 1.2-gallon PureWay sharps container and prepaid mail-back box.
🧳 Stay safe while traveling: The free container fits in a carry-on, or opt for a smaller travel version to keep disposal easy on the go.
🌎 Protect people and the planet: Proper disposal prevents injury, infection, and environmental harm from medical waste.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!
Have you tried the Novo Nordisk Drug Disposal Program or found another smart way to manage your Wegovy waste? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments below!
