Using medications as instructed often means that you’ll have a few pills—or more than a few—left over after you have recovered from illness. You might also switch medications…before long the medicine cabinet is full of outdated, unnecessary medications. How you dispose of these unused medications can affect our rivers and lakes, wildlife, and even human life. For optimal health and safety, follow these recommendations* for safe medication disposal.
First, check for approved state and local medication collection or donation programs. Some communities also have household hazardous waste collection programs.
Also check the information that came with your medication for any specific disposal instructions. If disposal instructions are not included, follow four easy steps:
Pour the medication into a sealable plastic bag. If the medication is solid, crush it or add water to dissolve it.
Add kitty litter, sawdust, or coffee grounds to the plastic bag. This step makes the medication less appealing to pets and small children.
Seal the plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.
Remove the prescription label or other personal information from the medication container. Destroy the information, and dispose of the container in the trash or recycling.
If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist.
* Guidelines from SmaRxt Disposal, a campaign sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. For more information, visit www.smarxtdisposal.net.
