Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
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Millions of people have expired or unused medications sitting in their home right now. This could be dangerous, because old medication could be harmful if an adult, child, or pet swallows it. That's why regular drug disposal is so important. But how do you actually get that done? Luckily, you have a few different options.
Here are 10 ways to dispose of medication you don’t need anymore.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- If you have any questions, you can contact a pharmacist or your state's health department for more details on getting rid of old medications.Thanks
- Your local sanitation department may also have suggestions and procedures for throwing out drugs, like using specific containers. Check with them if you aren't sure.Thanks
- Medications expire all the time, so be vigilant. Every few weeks, check through the medications in your home to see if any are unneeded or expired.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/2kAklblMi24?t=43
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
- ↑ https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/article/medication-disposal.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines#FlushList
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
- ↑ https://community.aafa.org/blog/how-to-safely-dispose-of-your-asthma-and-allergy-medicines
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel/best-way-get-rid-used-needles-and-other-sharps
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Most medications should not be flushed or put in the garbage. The best and most efficient way of disposing of medications is to contact the entity responsible for your waste collection—usually your government or a waste collection company. Many places have safe medication disposal programs in place, which allow you to drop them off at a designated location, such as a pharmacy, who will collect and safely dispose of your medications. To learn how to dispose of potentially dangerous medications, keep reading!
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