Most of us have a few expired prescriptions or unused medications tucked away in a bathroom cabinet or kitchen drawer. While it may be tempting to throw them in the trash or flush them down the toilet, doing so can have unintended consequences for our environment, our water supply and even public safety.
Proper medication disposal is a simple step that helps protect your family and your community.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Unused medications left around the home can become a safety hazard. Children, pets and even visitors may accidentally ingest them. Keeping old prescriptions also increases the risk of misuse or theft, particularly with pain medications and other controlled substances.
Flushing medications down the toilet may seem like an easy solution, but many medications can pass through wastewater treatment systems and end up in rivers, lakes and streams. Even small amounts of pharmaceutical compounds can affect aquatic life and water quality.
What You Should Do Instead
The safest and most environmentally responsible option is to use a community drug take-back program or a permanent medication collection box. Many pharmacies have a medication drop box. Additionally, hospitals and local law enforcement agencies may offer secure drop-off locations throughout the year. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice annually, making it easy to safely dispose of unwanted medications.
If a take-back location isn’t available, most medications can be disposed of in your household trash by following these simple steps:
- Remove medications from their original containers.
- Mix them with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter.
- Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container.
- Throw the sealed container into your household trash.
- Remove or black out personal information on empty prescription bottles before recycling or discarding them.
Only flush medications if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.
Small Actions Make a Big Difference
Responsible disposal helps reduce accidental poisoning, prevents prescription drug misuse and protects our local waterways and wildlife. It also helps keep potentially dangerous substances out of landfills where they could create environmental concerns.
Your local waste and recycling partners are committed to helping you make smart, environmentally responsible choices. By taking a few extra minutes to dispose of medications properly, you’re helping create a safer, healthier place for everyone. If you’re unsure how to dispose of medications or any other household waste, contact your local waste and recycling company.
