What is Proper Medication Disposal?
Proper medication disposal is the process of correctly discarding medical products to decrease the occurrence of accidental exposure to others. It is a paramount step in keeping those around you safe and unharmed by the very products that aid in increasing your quality of life. This guide will point you in the right direction on how to address your discontinued, expired, and over-the-counter medications. Listed below are a few common forms of medications and medical products that may be found in your household, and how you can get rid of them.
*Please inspect and remove any personal or identifying information on your medication packaging to protect your identity and privacy before throwing away *
Needles
- Place all needles and sharps in a container if accessible, however an old gallon jug would be just as fine. Make sure the container is able to be closed so no contents fall out. Once your container is sealed, you can discard it in your trash can.
Tablets, Capsules, Creams, Liquids, Powders
- You can reach out to your local pharmacy to see if they offer a drug take back program. If so, inquire about the proper procedure for return and take your medications there; the pharmacy will take care of the rest.
OR
- 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 resealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.
- Throw the container in the garbage.
Patches
- Fold the patch in half and FLUSH down the toilet.
- DO NOT place folded patches in the trash where children or pets may be able to find them
Any questions or concerns, please contact your local pharmacy for additional instructions
