Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it.
đź’ŠMedications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not needing, painkillers left over from a procedure, medication for someone who has moved out – before long, your medicine cabinet (and your bedside drawer and your toiletries bag) can hold quite a collection.
đź’ˇWhy does it matter? It’s easy to forget about unused and expired medications, but they can pose real risks: In the US, nearly half of misused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends – often straight from a home medicine cabinet. Every year, unused and expired medications contribute to accidental poisonings, misuse, overdoses, and suicides. They also pose risks to children and pets, and when flushed or thrown away improperly, they can end up in drinking water and soil.
🌟The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it.
đź“ŤThe best option: a drop-off location. Many pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments have permanent medication drop boxes – for free, with no questions asked.
- In the US, the DEA’s Take Back Day happens twice a year (April and October) with additional locations open specifically for the event. Check the DEA website to find a location near you.
- You can also use the DEA’s online search tool to find year-round medicine drop-off sites near you or check with your local pharmacy, hospital, or police department for guidance.
- If you’re outside the US, your pharmacist is usually the best first call.
⚠️If a drop box isn’t available, the FDA recommends mixing most medications with something unpleasant – used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter – sealing the mixture in a container, and putting it in the trash. Don’t crush tablets before mixing. And scratch out your personal information on any empty bottles before tossing them.
🚽Some medications can be flushed when no drop box is available. The FDA’s flush list includes certain opioids and other medications where the risk of accidental ingestion outweighs the environmental concern of flushing.
🪡If you have needles or syringes to dispose of, standard drop boxes usually don’t accept them. Search for a sharps disposal program in your area for safe options or check out this USDA infopage on safely getting rid of needles.
đź’ˇA few more ways to reduce medication risks at home year-round:
- Ask for less. If you’re prescribed pain medication after a procedure and don’t expect to use all of it, it’s completely reasonable to ask your provider for a smaller quantity or lower dose upfront.
- Lock it up. A lock box for medications – available online and at many hardware stores – protects people and pets from accidental or intentional access. Lock boxes are also great for cannabis, edibles, and other products that are important to keep away from kids, youth, and pets, such as medications (like oral chemotherapy or testosterone gels) that may be dangerous for others to handle or take.
- Keep track. Know what you have so you notice if something goes missing. Keep your medicine in its original container until right before you take it, and avoid setting loose pills down on counters or nightstands.
- Be careful when traveling or having overnight guests. Ask visitors to keep their medication safely stored away from others, and do the same when you travel with medication.
- Label everything clearly so medications aren’t taken (or eaten if in edible form) by mistake.
- If you think someone has taken medication that isn’t theirs – or used too much of their own – call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 anywhere in the US (it’s free and confidential) or 911 in an emergency. The ASPCA also has a poison control helpline for calls about pets. The ASPCA Poison Control is (888) 426-4435. (Note, unlike poison control for people, a fee may apply for the pet poison control.)
- Talk with the young people in your life about how to use medications safely, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs and supplements. Never call medicine “candy” to get kids to take it.
- Talk with older kids and young adults about substance misuse and addiction/substance use disorder (SUD), including over-the-counter drugs, prescription pills, and the risks of fake pills, which can look nearly identical to real prescription medication and increasingly contain fentanyl. The Partnership to End Addiction has practical guidance on how to have these conversations without it feeling like a lecture.
❤️Clearing out medications you no longer need is one of those small things that makes a real difference for the people and pets in your life.
đź“ž Helplines & Support:
Since we mentioned suicide and overdose in this post, we want to make sure readers have resources related to those issues.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7/365 via phone (call 988), via text (to start, text any message to 988, like “hello” or “help”), and online chat and Deaf/HOH services are available through their website.
- Who is it for? 988’s website says “Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you.” If you are concerned about someone you know, 988 has support for you as well.
- Learn more about helping a loved one in our post What can I do to help prevent suicide?
- A list of suicide hotlines in many countries around the world can be found here.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for people and families facing mental health challenges or addictions/substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their online treatment referral site.
