FAQ

Proper disposal of unused medications is important to reduce harm to people and the environment. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Check if your medication comes with specific disposal instructions.
2. Do not flush them down the toilet or drain as they can pollute water bodies.
3. Take advantage of medication take-back programs or drop off sites, which are offered by some pharmacies, hospitals, and local government agencies. This ensures that medications are disposed of safely and securely.
4. If a take-back program is not available, you can dispose of most medications at home by mixing them with an unappealing substance such as cat litter or coffee grounds and placing them in a sealable container before throwing them in the trash. Labels and personal information should be removed to protect your privacy.
5. Controlled substances such as opioids and benzodiazepines should be returned to a DEA-authorized collector, or flushed down the toilet if a take-back program or authorized collector is not available.

By following these steps, you can ensure that unused medications are disposed of in a way that is safe for people and the environment.