If you have expired prescription medication in your home, don’t just throw it in the trash. Unsafe disposal methods could lead to misuse or unintentional exposure. That said, it is important to remove these from your home as soon as you notice their presence to prevent another occupant or guest from using them.

To encourage safe disposal methods, the Drug Enforcement Agency often holds National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiatives. During these events, they establish a collection site where they accept expired prescription medication. Local law enforcement agencies may also host similar functions.

Contacting your local waste disposal service is another option. Sometimes a waste disposal company will have local guidelines in place for disposing of medications. The DEA also allows some facilities to register as official collectors for expired prescription drugs. Your local pharmacy or hospital may be one such place. Get in touch with them to learn more. 

If there are no registered collection facilities, upcoming take-back events, or disposal guidelines in your area, you can throw your medication in the garbage, so long as you follow a few essential precautionary steps. Start by mixing the medicine with a substance such as dirt, kitty litter, or anything else unpalatable. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the trash. Remove any personal or identifying information on the label before throwing it out.

Expired medication can be dangerous, so make sure you’re taking steps to dispose of them safely. To learn more about this subject, or to simply refill prescriptions, get in touch with Anderson Pharmacy at 2590 N Reading Road in Denver, PA. Contact them online and call (717) 484-2649 to speak with a representative. You can also like them on Facebook for reviews and photos.