How to Dispose of Prescription Medicines

A physician usually expects a patient to finish the medication prescribed. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. Sometimes it is stopped because of a bad reaction. Other times, it is taken until the problem for which it was prescribed is solved. In such instances, unused medication requires disposal. While guidelines are provided by the Federal Drug Administration, it is equally important to check residential state laws. In some instances they are even more stringent.

Things You'll Need

• Water tight disposable containers
• Carbonated water or soda
• Refuse like tea leaves, soap, spoiled food, or cat litter
• Super glue
• Salt or pepper
• Opaque bags
• Opaque paper
• Heavy tape (like duct tape)
• Coffee grinder

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the medication label to see if disposal recommendations are included. If so, these generally meet state established procedures and should be followed explicitly. If not, continue on to Step 2.

• 2

  Call the state Environmental Protection Agency to ascertain if they have a drug disposal plan. If so, follow their guidelines explicitly. If not, continue on to Step 3.

• 3

  Contact your city office to see if they have a prescription take-back program or specific disposal requirements. If so, follow their instructions as provided. If not, move on to Step 4.

• 4

  Contact local pharmacies to determine if they take and dispose of unused medications. If so, prepare the medications as outlined and deliver them to the pharmacy. If not, continue on to Step 5.

• 5

  Check with the prescribing physician to see if his office has a take-back program. If so, follow the instructions and return to the doctor's office. If not, follow the remaining steps below.

• 6

  Divide medications into three categories---aerosol, general, and opiates. This will help in proper disposal since each type requires slightly different treatment.

• 7

  Move standard medications like antibiotics and low-level pain killers (non-opiate) from containers to a water-tight disposable container. Open capsules and include only the medication itself. The capsule shells can be put in the trash.

• 8

  Grind opiate tablets up in a coffee grinder and put them into a separate container. Mix the powder with carbonated water or soda to thoroughly dissolve. Add plenty of salt or pepper to further discourage consumption.

• 9

  Mix the medications of Steps 7 and 8 together with refuse like tea leaves, soap, spoiled food, or cat litter. Make it into an inedible paste.

• 10

  Glue the containers closed. Make certain they cannot be easily reopened.

• 11

  Throw the containers in the garbage. Do not attempt to recycle them.

• 12

  Prescription bottles can be disposed of in the garbage after removing the label or covering up relevant information with a black sharpie marker.

• 13

  Release all medication from aerosol cans into a plastic bag. Tie the bag shut and throw it in the trash. Dispose of aerosol cans according to state approved methods.

• 14

  Wrap blister packs of medications in non see-through paper. Wrap the package with heavy tape (like duct tape), making it difficult to open.

• 15

  Place inside an opaque bag. Tie it shut and throw in the garbage.