Have you ever wondered what to do with the old medications sitting in your cabinet, collecting dust?

Whether it’s a painkiller you no longer need, an expired bottle of antibiotics, or a prescription that isn’t effective, getting rid of unused or expired medications is something we all have to do — but it can be confusing.

On the other hand, improperly disposing of medications can have serious consequences, from harming the environment to endangering others around you.

That’s why it’s important you get it right.

By learning how to safely dispose of your medications, you can protect yourself, others, and the planet.

Read on to find out how to dispose of your old medications safely.
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Why Proper Medication Disposal Matters

You might not think much about tossing a few pills in the trash or flushing them down the toilet, but improper disposal has serious consequences:

• Environmental impact: When medications are flushed or thrown away, they can end up in water systems — harming marine life and contaminating drinking water.
• Health risks: Medications left at home, especially controlled substances, can run the risk of accidental poisoning, especially if you have young children or pets.
• Public safety: When in the wrong hands, unused medications can lead to drug misuse or abuse. Safe disposal, then, isn’t only important for your family but your community.
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How to Safely Dispose of Medications

Proper medication disposal is key, but what’s the best way to do it? Here are 3 methods:

1. Use Drug Take-Back Programs

The safest way to dispose of your medications is through a drug take-back program.

These programs are designed to collect unused medications and leave the disposal to the professionals. You can often find drug take-back events at:

• Pharmacies: Many local pharmacies — including your independent pharmacy — have permanent drop boxes for medication disposal. Find a pharmacy near you using RxLocal’s Pharmacy Finder
• Law enforcement agencies: In the event you aren’t near a pharmacy, police stations often have secure bins where you can drop off medications.
• DEA events: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Days twice a year, where you can safely dispose of medications at designated locations.

The DEA also offers a search tool that allows you to find authorized collection sites by entering your zip code.

Just bring your medications to a drop-off site, and they’ll take care of the rest.
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2. Dispose of Medications at Home

If a take-back program isn’t available, almost all medicines — except those on the FDA flush list (see below) — can be thrown into your household trash.

This includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in a variety of forms: pills, liquids, drops, patches, and creams. Just follow these steps:

• Step 1: Remove the medications from their original containers.
• Step 2: Mix the medications with unappealing substances like coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter, to keep kids and pets out.
• Step 3: Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in your household trash.
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3. Flush Medications (When Necessary)

While most medications are better to be trashed, the FDA does recommend that some be flushed. These medications, often controlled substances, pose a high risk of harm if left in the home. For example, any drugs that include the following words should be flushed:

• Buprenorphine
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone/benzhydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Sodium oxybate
• Tapentadol

Important: Always check the FDA’s flush list to see if your medication qualifies. If it’s on the list, follow the flushing instructions provided to dispose of it safely.

How to Protect Your Personal Information

When it comes time to dispose of your medications, don’t forget to protect your personal information.

Prescription bottles and packaging contain sensitive information — like your name, address, or contact information — that can be misused or stolen, as is the case with identity theft.

Here are a few steps to keep your information safe:

• Remove or scratch off labels: Before you toss out any prescription bottles, take a moment to remove or scratch off the labels.
• Shred any paper inserts or packaging: If your medications come with paper inserts or packaging containing your information, be sure to shred or tear them into small pieces.
• Dispose of containers separately: Consider throwing away the empty medication containers in a separate trash bag from the medications themselves. This extra layer of security reduces the risk of someone finding your medical information and misusing it.

By taking this extra step, you can make sure your old medication — and your information — stays out of the wrong hands.

Conclusion

Properly disposing of medications is an important step in keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe.

From protecting the environment to preventing accidental ingestion to reducing the risk of misuse, proper disposal makes a difference.

So, next time you need to get rid of unwanted medications, keep it in mind. Take advantage of drug take-back programs at your local pharmacy, follow DEA guidelines, and avoid risky disposal methods.

In doing so, you can create a safer future for everyone around you.