How to get rid of unused medicines safely
The safest way to get rid of old or unused medicines is a drug take-back location. If there isn't one, here is when to flush and how to throw medicines in the trash safely.
The safest way to get rid of unused or expired medicines is to take them to a drug take-back location or send them in a prepaid mail-back envelope. If you can’t, check whether the medicine is on the FDA’s flush list. If it isn’t, mix it with something unappealing, seal it in a bag and put it in the trash.
Why it matters
Old medicines can be swallowed by children or pets, taken by mistake, or misused by someone who finds them. Expired medicines can also be weaker or chemically changed. See is it safe to take expired medicine?
Option 1: A drug take-back location (best)
- Many pharmacies, hospitals and police stations have year-round drop-off boxes. In the US, find one with the DEA’s collection site search.
- The DEA holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year, in April and October.
- Some pharmacies hand out prepaid mail-back envelopes.
Option 2: Flush, but only if it’s on the flush list
Some medicines are so dangerous that one dose can kill a child, a pet or someone who misuses them. When a take-back option isn’t readily available, the FDA says to flush these right away. They include:
- oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
- morphine
- methadone
- buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- fentanyl patches
Check the full FDA flush list. Don’t flush anything that isn’t on it.
Option 3: The household trash
For medicines that aren’t on the flush list, when there’s no take-back option:
- Mix the pills with something unappealing, such as dirt, cat litter or used coffee grounds. Don’t crush them.
- Put the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or container.
- Throw the bag in your household trash.
- Scratch out your name and personal details on the empty bottle before throwing it away.
Special cases
- Inhalers, needles and syringes need special handling. Ask your pharmacist or local waste service.
- Pills you can’t identify: take them to a take-back location. Don’t flush them.
Common questions
Can I flush old medicines down the toilet?
Only medicines on the FDA’s flush list, and only when a take-back option isn’t readily available. Everything else goes to a take-back location or, if there isn’t one, the trash.
Will my pharmacy take back old medicines?
Many do, through a drop-off box or mail-back envelopes. Ask your pharmacist, or search the DEA’s list of collection sites.
When is Drug Take Back Day?
The DEA holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year, in April and October. Drop-off boxes at pharmacies and police stations are open all year.
What should I do with medicines left after someone dies?
The same as any unused medicine. Take them to a take-back location, especially strong painkillers, which can be dangerous to others in the home.