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We are always faced with the problem of what to do with expired or unwanted medications. Do we throw them in the trash, flush them down the toilet, return them to the pharmacy, or just keep them in the medicine cabinet? Medications come in all forms, such as solids, liquid, and sharps, which each require a unique disposal. Proper drug disposal is a growing environmental issue.
General Guidelines:
Always take prescriptions as directed by your physician. Don't stop taking a medication midway through therapy unless you have an adverse drug reaction or are instructed to do so by your physician.
Only purchase and use essential medications and personal care products. For instance, don't buy the 1,000 count of aspirin because it is cheaper per tablet, but you will never use it all by the expiration date.
Try to look for Pharmacy Take-Back locations in your area. They are programs that help people dispose of unwanted medications in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
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Disposal Directions:
Remove all medications from their original containers and put into a hard, plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
Before disposing of any medication vials or bottles, always remove all personal information.
To discourage wildlife from go through your trash, add spices such as turmeric, mustard, or cayenne pepper.
Always seal the container the medication has been put in and place outside just prior to trash pick-up.
Solid Medication Disposal:
Add a small amount of water to dissolve the medication and then dispose of according to above instructions.
Liquid Medication Disposal:
Add a thickening agent, such as cat litter, flour, salt, or coffee grounds and then dispose of according to above instructions.
Sharps Disposal:
Place needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects in a hard plastic container with a screw-on or tightly
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