Flush, trash or take-back? Getting rid of unused medicines

April 4, 2017   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

What is the best way to get rid of medication that is expired or you no longer use? Turning to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides the best answer to this question. According to their article How to Dispose of Unused Medicines, the best option is a community-based drug “take-back” program. Information about the availability of such a program can found by searching online or asking local law enforcement, city or county government’s household trash and recycling service, hospital, clinic, or pharmacies. If this is not available, almost all medicines can be thrown in your household trash, however there are precautions to this and some medication can be flushed down the sink or toilet. For additional and more specific information about your situation, please click on the link above and learn more.