Do you have expired drugs or medicines filling up your medicine cabinet?

 
 

Medicine disposal recommendations

How should you dispose of them? Most drugs can be thrown in the trash, but you should take certain precautions before tossing them out.

The drug take-back days are organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way of getting rid of unused prescription drugs, while also teaching everyone about drug abuse.

Use drug take-back programs if possible. Contact your local police department, fire department, newspaper or visit National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to find upcoming events and a collection site near you.

The National Community Pharmacy Association (NCPA) and Sharps Compliance, Inc. have identified pharmacies that participate in drug take-back programs. Visit www.disposemymeds.org for more information or www.sharpsinc.com for mail-in program information.

 

Household disposal tips

  • Mix all liquids or pills with water or kitty litter, coffee grounds, vinegar, ashes, table salt, dirt, etc.
  • Keep the medicine in the original bottle with the childproof cap on. Scratch out your information on the label.
  • Put the bottle into another container that you can't see through and that has a lid.
  • Put into the normal trash (not recycling bin) on your garbage pick-up day, making sure that all containers are sealed.

*In all cases, be sure to remove all personal health information (name, address, Rx number, etc.) before disposal.

References:
1. United States Environmental Protection Agency
2. United States Food and Drug Administration
3. Dispose My Meds
4. Sharps Compliance, Inc