Disposal of Expired & Unused Medicines
For years pharmacists have told consumers that the best way to dispose of the majority of unused or expired medicines was to flush them down the toilet. That recommendation may be changing with the recent guidelines from the American Pharmacists Association. The guidelines are designed to protect families, pets, and the environment:
- Do not flush unused medicines: This recommendation is based on recent studies, which indicate that some expired drugs could adversely impact the environment. While it is still ok to flush some drugs, the rule of thumb is not to flush.
- Protect children and pets: The Association recommends that solid medications be crushed, mixed with kitty litter, placed in a plastic bag and then put in the trash. This helps reduce the risk of accidental poisonings among children and pets.
- Talk to Your Pharmacist: Pharmacists can assist with disposal of drug products. They also usually know about companies that collect hazardous materials.