How to get rid of old medicines

Q How do I dispose of old or unused prescription drugs?

A There is no single policy in California that covers proper disposal of pharmaceuticals. Each county and/or municipality has its own regulations for handling medical waste. But in any case, you shouldn't throw your medications down the drain or toilet. Sewage treatment plants are not able to remove or destroy the chemicals. Treated waste water, recycled back into lakes, rivers and oceans, will still contain chemicals such as antibiotics and hormones.

You should ask your pharmacy about taking back unused or expired drugs. If there is no "take-back" program, you can check with your local Household Hazardous Waste Program for proper disposal methods. You can find information about local hazardous waste facilities at the California Integrated Waste Management Board Web site at: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/leacentral/LEADirectory/default.asp.

You can also call your local fire department for information about disposal programs.

If there are no local guidelines, wrap your medications in durable packaging and place in the garbage. You should handle your expired or unused over-the-counter medications with the same precautions as prescription drugs.