How to Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medications

Unused and expired medicines should not stay in the cabinet indefinitely. A regular medication cleanout reduces mix-ups and makes it easier to see what you actually use.

Start with take-back options

FDA recommends drug take-back locations or prepaid mail-back envelopes as the best disposal option for most unused or expired medicines. DEA also supports permanent collection locations in addition to periodic National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events.

Do not flush medicine automatically

FDA maintains a specific flush list for certain medicines that can be especially dangerous if taken by the wrong person and when a take-back option is not readily available. Medicines that are not on that list generally should not be flushed.

If household trash is the appropriate option

FDA guidance says most medicines that are not on the flush list can be mixed with an undesirable substance such as dirt, cat litter or used coffee grounds, placed in a sealed container and discarded in household trash when take-back is not available. Do not crush tablets or capsules simply for disposal.

Protect your personal information

Remove or scratch out identifying information on empty prescription containers before discarding or recycling packaging according to local rules.

Handle sharps and inhalers separately

Needles, syringes and pressurized inhalers can require different disposal methods. Do not put them into a medication take-back box unless the collection site specifically accepts them.

Make disposal part of a medication review

When you clean out the medicine cabinet, update your medication list at the same time. If you are unsure whether a medication should be stopped or discarded, ask the prescriber or pharmacist before throwing it away.