What is the proper disposal method for unused or expired medicines?

Question

What is the proper disposal method for unused or expired medicines?

Answer 1

This is a hot topic in the field of solid waste management right now. I don't know about other states, but California typically is was ahead of the rest of the nation when it comes to environmental regulation, and here in California there are no laws regulating the disposal of unused pharmaceuticals.

The common wisdom was, for a long time, to flush it down the toilet. However, our sewer treatment systems are not designed to break down pharmaceuticals. Recent studies are finding trace amounts of various pharmaceuticals in the water supply in various parts of the world, suggesting that this flushing practice could lead to problems...

The current advice is to first see if there is some kind of drug takeback program. A few pharmacies do this, but it's not real common. If the drug is a chemotherapy drug, return it to the dispensing clinic as most chemotherapy drugs are also hazardous wastes. Finally, if the above options are not available, seal the pharmaceuticals in their container and simply throw them in the trash. You want the container sealed because you don't want animals/children/whomever to find said drugs and handle/consume them. The trash is the best place because most modern landfills have liners to prevent leachate from the garbage from seeping into the water supply, so if all works well these pharmaceuticals should not contaminate the environment.

I hope this helps.

jw

Answer 2

Don't flush them - I always thought that's what you were supposed to do (so animals/kids couldn't get them) but I was told by many sources that it is horrible for the water system.

I asked a couple pharmacies when I had some old medications to dispose of - they said they put them in a sealed bag in kitty litter and throw them out with the trash.

I guess the kitty litter is to absorb them if the pills/caplets break apart, and to make it so animals & pets don't eat them?

Answer 3

Flush down the toilet, some pharmacies will let you bring them to them for disposal

Answer 4

Flush them

Answer 5

Flushing them down the toilet.

Answer 6

You're not supposed to have unused medications, in all cases you are supposed to use the full run of meds until they are gone. not taking all your meds is what creates superbugs.

Answer 7

i always flush it so animals dont eat it out of the trash.

Answer 8

I would probably bury them.

Answer 9

throw them away

Answer 10

pour it down the toilet.