A Guide to the Safe Disposal of Unused, Expired Medicines

It’s not uncommon to accumulate a collection of unused or expired medications. Whether it’s a forgotten prescription, over-the-counter medication that didn’t work for you, or simply medications that have reached their expiration date, it’s crucial to understand the proper disposal methods. Improper disposal of medications can have significant impacts on public health, the environment, and personal safety.

Follow these steps to safely and responsibly dispose of your unused or expired medications.

• Check Expiration Dates
  Start by gathering all your medications and checking their expiration dates. Expired medications can be less effective or even harmful, so it’s important to identify and separate them from the rest.
• Consult Your Pharmacist
  If you’re unsure about the proper disposal process for a specific medication, consult your pharmacist. They can provide guidance and assistance. Pharmacists can also determine if any of your unused medications can be returned.
• Authorized Take-Back Programs
  One of the safest ways to dispose of unused or expired medications is through authorized take-back programs. These programs are organized by pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Individuals can drop off their medications for proper disposal. You can search online or contact a local pharmacy for information on local take-back programs.
• Don’t Flush
  It’s important to note that flushing unused or expired medications down the toilet should be avoided whenever possible. While this used to be a common recommendation, it is now discouraged in most cases due to its adverse effects on the environment and water supply. However, there are specific medications listed by the FDA that can be flushed. To determine if your medicine is on the flush list, check the label or the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. Always remember, unless it is on the approved list, do not flush your medicine.
• Household Trash
  If your medicine is not listed in the flush list, you can dispose of it in your household trash. However, it’s important to take precautions to prevent accidental consumption or misuse. The FDA recommends mixing the medicine with something unappealing like dirt or used coffee beans. Then, put the mixture in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it away.