When you have leftover or expired medication that you no longer need, you can safely dispose it at home. The best method depends on the type of medications you have.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pills & tablets
You can flush pills/tablets down the toilet. Do not flush prescription vials or transdermal patches.
You may also dispose of pills/tablets in your household garbage. If you are disposing of pills or tablets in the garbage, remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to pets and children who may go through the trash. Place the mixture in something you can close (a re-sealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent leaks. Throw the container in the garbage.
Vials, patches, & creams
You may dispose of prescription vials, transdermal patches or creams in your household garbage.
Prescription packaging
Always be sure to scratch out all your personal information on any empty medication packaging to protect your identity and privacy when throwing the packaging away.