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.