Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Federal Guidelines
 | Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers and throw them in the trash. |
| Mixing prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and putting them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, will further ensure the drugs are not diverted. |
| Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so. |
| Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Some communities have pharmaceutical take-back programs or community solid-waste programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Where these exist, they are a good way to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals. |
Note: Patients should always refer to printed material accompanying their medication for specific instructions