How to dispose of unused and expired medication

There are multiple ways to dispose of unused or expired medication. There are places around the community where to dispose of the medicine properly that can help prevent harm, dangers, and any risk that comes from taking those kinds of medications.

There are many ways to dispose of medications. The best option is to find a drug take back location in the area. Finding a take-back location will help get rid of the medications and help prevent harm. This could be a local pharmacy or a police station. The take-back location may offer on-site medicine drop-off boxes, mail-back programs, or in-home disposal products.

By visiting the Drug Enforcement Administration website and adding the zip code you can find a take back location in the area. If there is not a drug take-back location, check the FDA’s flush list to see which medication can be flushed to help get rid of the unused medication.

Medication on the flush list may be especially dangerous with just one dose if it’s taken by children, pets, or others in the household. Flushing medicine that is not on the flush list can still be harmful to the environment.

If the medication is not on the flush list, throwing the medication in the trash is an option if you cannot flush the medication or there is not a take-back location. For medicines that are thrown away in the trash, FDA recommends mixing them with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds. Don’t crush pills.