If you’re like a lot of people, you may have expired prescription medications in your cabinets or medicine chest that you either forgot about or simply no longer use. While it might be tempting to pour these “expired medications” down the drain or flush them down the toilet, that’s really not the best idea. Disposing of unwanted medications in this way could contaminate your local water supply.
Instead, read our 2016 blog, “How to Safely Dispose of Unused Prescription Medications,” to learn the best ways to rid your home of unused prescription medications.
April 29 is National Drug Take Back Day! Find out where you can take your unwanted medications and make your home a safer haven!
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I often put mine in a bag where my children can’t reach them and take them to a pharmacy.
That’s a good idea. Thank you for sharing, Rochelle.
I would apprciate knowing what Pharmacy? My prescription drugs been refused at several.
This is such a great idea. Once a year is a start. We have tried numerous times to give the medication to the pharmacys thinking they knew how to dispose of the drugs. They refused the drugs each time. Since I the DEA April 29 program how can I get rid of unwanted prescriptions?
CMA
Hi Carol, I went to https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm and found this info; I hope it helps:
Transfer unused medicines to collectors registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Authorized sites may be retail, hospital or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement locations. Some offer mail-back programs or collection receptacles (“drop-boxes”). Visit the DEA’s website or call 1-800-882-9539 for more information and to find an authorized collector in your community.
I love this idea!
I wonder if we have a take-back day like this in Canada; I will have to find out. Some pharmacies here will take back unused medication for proper disposal.
Our company participates in this program. I think it is great idea. It has helped greatly with patients flushing down the drain.
I never even thought about the possibility of contaminating waterways!! I keep learning so much on this blog!!!
I was taught by nurses that I worked with to put them in coffee grounds and the medication just melts. Depending upon how much you are getting rid of at one time will determine how much you will need of the coffee grounds.