Medicine plays a key part in treating health issues, but once medications are no longer needed, people often forget to dispose of them properly. Most medicine can simply be thrown away, however others can be harmful – or even fatal – if they fall into the wrong hands. Children, pets and people intentionally seeking drugs can all be at risk if medicine is disposed of improperly.
The FDA offers this advice for drug disposal:
- READ THE LABEL
Most potentially harmful medicines have detailed instructions for disposal printed on the label. While many can simply be flushed down the toilet, don’t flush medicine unless the label specifically instructs you to do so. You can visit bit.ly/flushmeds for a list of medications that can be safely flushed.
- FIND A DRUG TAKE-BACK PROGRAM
Community drug take-back programs allow you to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. You can find information on a program near you by calling your city or county’s trash and recycling office, or by searching for programs online.
- MIX AND SEAL
If no disposal instructions are provided, remove the medication from its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds, kitty litter or ash from a fireplace. That will make the drug unappealing to any child, pet or person. Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container to prevent it from leaking out of a garbage bag.
- PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
Before throwing out a pill bottle or container, black out all identifying information on the label to protect your identity and health privacy.
- DON’T SHARE MEDICATIONS
If a friend or family member appears to be suffering from an illness you have been treated for, it can be tempting to share leftover medication. But a medicine that worked for you may be ineffective or dangerous to someone else, so encourage friends or family to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.