We all have those moments when we look through our medicine cabinets and find expired or unused medications. Whether it’s leftover antibiotics, pain relievers, or old prescriptions, these medications can accumulate over time. While it might be tempting to toss them in the trash or flush them down the toilet, these methods can pose serious health and environmental risks. Here’s how to safely dispose of expired or unused medications to protect yourself, your family, and the environment.
1. Use a Drug Take-Back Program
The safest and most effective way to dispose of unwanted medications is through a drug take-back program. These programs provide secure, authorized disposal locations for medications, ensuring they are destroyed safely and without harming the environment. Here’s how to find and use them:
Look for local events – Many communities hold regular drug take-back events where you can bring your expired or unused medications for proper disposal. These events are often organized by local pharmacies, law enforcement, or health organizations.
Permanent collection sites – Some areas have permanent medication disposal boxes at pharmacies, hospitals, or police stations. These are secure, anonymous, and available year-round.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – The DEA organizes this event annually to promote safe disposal. Check their website for dates and participating locations near you.
2. Dispose of Medications at Home
If a drug take-back program isn’t available, you can dispose of medications at home using a few simple steps. However, it’s important to follow these guidelines to minimize risks:
Check the label – Some medications may have specific disposal instructions on their packaging. Follow these if available.
Mix old meds in with yucky trash – To prevent misuse, mix medications (do NOT crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance like used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter, then place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or container and toss in with the rest of the trash.
Remove personal info – Before throwing out empty medication containers, remove any personal information from the label to protect your privacy.
3. Avoid Flushing Medications
Flushing medications down the toilet may seem like an easy solution, but it can have severe environmental consequences. Most wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to remove pharmaceutical substances, meaning these chemicals can end up in our rivers, lakes, and drinking water. This can harm aquatic life and potentially affect human health.
There are exceptions to this rule and the FDA has a list of medications recommended for flushing if no other disposal option is available. These are usually medications that pose a high risk of abuse or accidental ingestion, such as opioids. If possible, prioritize using a take-back program whenever possible.
4. Utilize Mail-Back Programs
If local take-back programs are not accessible, some pharmacies and organizations offer mail-back programs. These programs provide pre-paid envelopes that you can use to send expired or unused medications for safe disposal. It’s a convenient and secure option, especially for those who may have mobility issues or live in remote areas.
5. Consult Your Pharmacist
If you’re unsure about how to dispose of a specific medication, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist. They can provide guidance based on the type of medication and disposal options available in your area. Pharmacists are trained to help ensure that medications are handled safely and responsibly.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Proper disposal of expired or unused medications is crucial for several reasons:
Keeping unused medications at home increases the risk of accidental ingestion, especially for children and pets.
Prescription medications, particularly opioids and other controlled substances, can be misused if not disposed of properly. Safe disposal helps prevent misuse, whether accidental or intentional.
Medications improperly disposed of can contaminate soil and water, harming wildlife and potentially impacting human health.
Tips
Regularly check your medicine cabinet and remove expired or unused medications to reduce clutter and minimize risk.
Different areas may have varying guidelines for medication disposal, so be sure to check with your local health department or pharmacy.
Share this information with friends and family to help promote safe disposal practices in your community.
Disposing of expired or unused medications safely is essential for your health, the health of others, and the environment. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and healthy.
About RevanRx
Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.