We are right in the middle of a pretty intense flu season, and sickness usually means heaps of medicine. Whether you are taking a prescription for an illness, or you are on medication for a chronic issue, one question seems to be on the minds of many: how do you dispose of these medications when you are finished?
The Dos and Don’t of Medication Disposal
Instead of flushing unused or expired medications, consider safer disposal methods to protect both the environment and your community.
Here are some responsible ways to get rid of them:
- Use a Drug Take-Back Program – Many pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies offer take-back programs where you can drop off unwanted medications for safe disposal. Check with your local pharmacy or use the DEA’s online locator to find a take-back location near you.
- Check for Manufacturer Mail-Back Programs – Some pharmaceutical companies offer mail-back programs where you can return unused medications safely.
- Follow FDA Disposal Guidelines – If no take-back options are available, the FDA has guidelines that suggest mixing the medication with something undesirable, like coffee grounds or kitty litter, placing it in a sealed plastic bag, and throwing it in the trash.
At-Home Disposal
If ‘Take Back’ programs are unavailable, there are safe ways to dispose of medications at home. While some people have expressed concern about flushing prescriptions – there is little evidence to show that it is harmful. In fact, the FDA has a ‘flush list‘ for those considering this method.
There is also the option of disposing medications in your household trash. To do this – it is important to keep the medications safe from children or pets. Here is what the FDA recommends:
- Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to children and pets and unrecognizable to someone who might intentionally go through the trash looking for drugs.
- Put the mixture in something you can close (a re-sealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.
- Throw the container in the garbage.
- Scratch out all your personal information on the empty medicine packaging to protect your identity and privacy. Throw the packaging away.
What About Over-the-Counter Medications?
OTC medicines should also be disposed of properly. While they may not be as strong as prescription drugs, they can still be harmful if ingested by children or pets. Always follow the same disposal steps as you would for prescription medications.
Special Considerations for Controlled Substances
Some medications, particularly opioids, and other controlled substances, can be dangerous if left unused in your home. Use the FDA “flush list” for certain high-risk drugs that should be flushed only if no other disposal options are available. However, take-back programs remain the best option for these substances.
Proper Disposal of Inhalers and Liquid Medications
- Inhalers – Many inhalers contain pressurized propellants and should not be thrown in regular trash or recycling bins. Check with your pharmacy or waste management service for safe disposal options.
- Liquid Medications – Ensure liquids are sealed tightly before disposal, and avoid pouring them down the drain. Mixing them with absorbent material (like paper towels or sawdust) before sealing in a plastic bag is a safer method.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Before disposing of any prescription bottles, be sure to remove or black out any personal information on the label to protect your privacy. This simple step helps prevent identity theft and unauthorized prescription refills.
Disposal of Sharps: Needles, Syringes, and Medical Injectables
If you use injectable medications like Ozempic, GLP-1s (such as Wegovy or Mounjaro), B12 injections, insulin, or other self-administered treatments, it’s crucial to dispose of used needles and syringes—commonly referred to as “sharps”—safely. Improper disposal can pose health risks to sanitation workers, pets, and the environment.
Safe Sharps Disposal Methods
- Use an FDA-Approved Sharps Container – The best way to dispose of needles is by placing them in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and sealable sharps container. These containers are available at most pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online retailers.
- Find a Local Drop-Off Site – Many pharmacies, hospitals, and health departments have sharps disposal programs. Check with your local waste management or visit the FDA or EPA website for disposal sites in your area.
- Mail-Back Programs – Some services offer prepaid sharps disposal containers that you can mail back for safe disposal. This is an excellent option if you don’t have a drop-off site nearby.
- Do Not Throw Sharps in Household Trash – Never dispose of loose needles in the garbage or recycling bins, as they can pose serious injury risks to waste management workers.
- Temporary Home Storage Option – If you don’t have an official sharps container, a heavy-duty plastic bottle with a secure lid (such as a detergent bottle) can serve as a temporary solution. Make sure to label it “SHARPS – DO NOT RECYCLE” before taking it to a proper disposal site.
By following these best practices, you can safely dispose of your sharps and contribute to a healthier, safer community.
Making Medication Disposal a Habit
Properly disposing of medications is a small but impactful way to protect the environment, prevent drug misuse, and keep your home safe. By following safe disposal practices and taking advantage of take-back programs, you can do your part in ensuring medications don’t end up where they shouldn’t.