Unused Medications? Here’s the Safe Way to Trash Them

Ever found a bottle of expired pills in your medicine cabinet and wondered what to do with it? Tossing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet might seem like the easiest option, but both can be harmful to the environment and public health. Here’s how to properly get rid of unused medications without causing unintended harm.

• Use a Drug Take-Back Program

  The best way to dispose of old or unused medication is through a drug take-back program. Many pharmacies and local health organizations offer these programs, ensuring that medications are safely collected and destroyed. This helps prevent expired drugs from ending up in the wrong hands or contaminating water supplies.

• Check for FDA-Approved Disposal Methods

  If you can’t access a take-back program, the FDA provides guidelines on disposing of certain medications. Some drugs, especially opioids, should be flushed due to their potential for abuse. The FDA has a flush list that outlines which medications can go down the drain safely. If you’re unsure, a community pharmacy can help you determine the best disposal method.

• Safe Disposal at Home

  For medications not on the flush list, follow these steps:

  • Mix the medication with an unappealing substance like dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter.

  • Seal the mixture in a plastic bag.

  • Throw the bag in the household trash.

  • Remove personal information from prescription bottles before recycling them.

• Find Safe Disposal Support

  If you need help disposing of unused medication properly, Drew Center Pharmacy offers expert guidance. As a trusted retail pharmacy in East Palo Alto, California, we provide safe disposal options to ensure medications don’t pose a risk to the community.

Looking for quality healthcare products? Our selection of non-prescription drugs includes vitamins, supplements, and everyday essentials to keep you feeling your best.

Reach out to Drew Center Pharmacy for expert guidance on safe medication disposal and a wide selection of essential health products. We also offer a wide range of medical supplies in East Palo Alto, California, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, to support your health needs.