How to Dispose of Unused Medicine: Don't Flush, Put in Trash Says US Government
The Office of National Drug Control Policy has set guidelines for disposing of unused and expired medications, and their containers. Correct disposal of veterinary medicines, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and vitamin bottles reduces environmental pollution and protects the privacy of prescription drug users.
Disposing of Medications
Check the labels of all medications in the home. Look at labels on common household pain relievers, as well as prescription drugs and medicines prescribed for the family pet by a veterinarian.
Place all expired or unwanted medications in a mop bucket until they can be properly disposed. Do not allow household members to take expired medications or prescription medicines not prescribed for them by their medical care professional.
Use a large sealing plastic freezer bag to dispose of pills, tablets, liquid medications and powders. Fill the bag half-full with wet cat litter or used coffee grounds. Place the unused medications into the bag, allowing liquids to absorb into the litter or grounds. Seal the bag, and gently mix the solid medications into the wet mixture. Place the bag into the garbage and remove it from the home. Place the garbage bag in a sealed outdoor waste receptacle so family pets and wild animals cannot chew into the bag, and potentially be poisoned.
Disposing of Medicine Containers
Recycle outer paper packaging and boxes from medications. Containers used to hold medicines should be disposed of in a sealed container, according to The Office of National Drug Control Policy. Place plastic pill and liquid medicine bottles in an old cottage cheese container or plastic ice cream tub. Seal the container and place it in the trash, according to federal guidelines. Medicine containers should also be removed from the home, and placed in an outdoor sealed trash container.
Sources:
Office of National Drug Control Policy. "How to Dispose of Prescription Drugs." White House.gov
Wills, Amanda. "Earth911: Recycling Mystery - Medication." Earth911.com
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Published by Angela Tague
Angela Tague has worked in news writing and photography since 1998. After attaining a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Iowa, Tague's journalism career has led to positions at two... View profile
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