Most people have a lot of medicine in their homes. Medicine for headaches, fevers, coughs, colds, stomach aches, allergies, and more. Just like anything else, these medications comes with an expiration date. It is important to know how to properly dispose of your old medication in order to avoid potential contamination and poisoning.

What Not to Do

Flush It Down the Toilet

Unless the medicine’s instructions specifically call for it to be flushed, don’t do it. This could pollute your drinking water, as treatment stations aren’t very effective at removing these types of chemicals

Throw it Straight into the Garbage

You are asking for trouble if you take your medicine out of the bottle and throw it straight into the garbage. Pets and small children are very curious, and could potentially get their hands (or paws) on them. People have also been known to rummage through garbage cans intentionally searching for medicine.

How to Properly Dispose of Your Medicine

Find a Local Take Back Pharmacy

Plenty of facilities exist around the country that will take back your unused medicine. Find one near you by clicking here. If you can’t find one close you, contact your local law enforcement to find out about any upcoming take back programs in your area.

If There Are No Medicine Recycling Centers Around You

You can throw your medicine away, but do it safely. Combine the medicine with an undesirable substance (such as coffee grounds or kitty litter) and seal them in a plastic bag. This helps prevents children and animals from poisoning themselves.
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful! Remember for all of your waste needs call us at Waste Solutions 123, we provide temporary roll off dumpsters, permanent dumpster rentals, porta-potties and more! We service nationwide and guarantee affordable rates no matter your location!