Approximately 4 billion prescriptions are filled each year, many of which end up unused or unwanted by the patient. Often, the patient keeps these medications because they don't know what to do with them or how to properly dispose of them. But keeping unused, unwanted, or expired medications can be harmful because they increase the risk of accidental poisonings. This is the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Proper disposal of unwanted medications is important because it protects the environment, prevents accidental poisonings and illegal drug diversion.
Step 1
Remove the medication from its original container. This will prepare it for the next step and make it difficult for potential dumpster divers to recognize it. Before discarding the empty original container, remove all personal identifiers from the label.
Step 2
Mix the medication with something like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Doing this will make the medicine unappealing to children and animals, making it less likely to be ingested.
Step 3
Put the coffee grounds or kitty litter mixture into a sealable bag, empty can, or some other container that seals easily. This will keep the mixture from leaking out of the trash can.
Step 4
Throw the sealed container into the garbage. The Federal Food and Drug Administration and the Office of National Drug Control Policy considers this method a safe way to both, protect the environment and reduce the risk of accidental poisonings.
Tips and Warnings
- Some cities sponsor a community take-back program which allows you to drop off your unused medications at a specific location. Check with your city or county government for details.
- Don't throw narcotic pain medications in the trash. According to the the Office of National Drug Control Policy, these should be flushed down the toilet. Go to the FDA website for a list of medications that should be flushed down toilet.
Things You'll Need
- Kitty litter
- Coffee grounds
- Sealable container
References
- "Drug Topics": Safe disposal of pharmaceuticals a growing concern
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs
- SmartDisposal.net: A prescription for a healthy planet
- FDA.gov: How to dispose of unused medications
- "US Pharmacist": The Collection and Disposal of Waste Medication
