Prescription Drug Disposal
You are invited to return your unwanted prescriptions for free and safe disposal at our pharmacy.
Why Return Unwanted Medicines
Dispose to Protect:
- Our families.
Returning unwanted medications makes our home safer.
- Our community.
Proper and safe disposal prevents theft and other misuse of medications.
- Our Environment.
Flushing or throwing away medications puts our waterways and aquatic life at risk.
How to Return Unwanted Medicines
 |
- Gather your unwanted medications. See ACCEPTABLE/NOT ACCEPTABLE list to find out which items can be returned. Leave items in their original containers. Mark out any personal information if you wish.
- Bring medications to our pharmacy or visit www.disposemymeds.org to find a participating pharmacy near you. This program is only available during pharmacy hours of operation, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 6pm.
- Deposit medications into the secure bin marked for medication return.
|
What if I have medicines not accepted by this return program
For narcotics and other medications that cannot be taken back to a pharmacy or other disposal site, the Take-Away Program recommends taking the following steps:
- Keep the medication in its original container.
- Modify the medications to discourage consumption by mixing them with kitty litter, coffee grounds, or sawdust.
- Tape the container closed and place in a sealable bag then in a non-transparent container.
- Discard the container in the garbage (not the recycling bin) and secure your trash to prevent access by children and pets
What Can You Return for Safe Disposal?
|
ACCEPTABLE:
|
NOT ACCEPTABLE:
|
Unused or expired medicines prescription (Rx) or over-the-counter (OTC), including:
- pill, tablets, capsules
- ointments
- creams
- lotions
- powders
- inhalers, nebulizer solutions
- liquid medicines less than or equal to 4 oz.
- solutions, suspensions
- liquids must be wrapped in a paper towel and placed in sealed plastic bag before being placed in a TakeAway container
|
- Controlled substances (such as):
- Adderall, Vicodin, Demerol, Hydrocodone, MS Contin, Ambien
- Any Sharps (such as)
- Liquids over 4 oz.
- Thermometers
- contact local solid waste agency
- Home based care(HCC) or durable medical equipment (DME) supplies (such as):
- Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide
|
| |
|
Products should be left in the packaging the product was dispensed in. This will provide a means of disposing of the packaging, contain and protect the medication in transit, minimize any exposure and is one of the requirements of the TakeAway Program transporter.
TakeAway can only accept products from patients and care-givers. Inventory from pharmacy or other healthcare center is NOT acceptable.
Safe Storage Tips
It is all too easy for a substance intended to help us to cause us harm. So if you need to keep medicines in your home, keep them under lock and key.
While there is no one device recommended for safeguarding your medications, below are a few ideas:
Medications and the Environment
It is essential to responsibly dispose of unused and unwanted prescriptions. Medication enter the water when they are flushed down toilets or sinks, or put in the garbage or when humans and animals pass drugs through their body. Pollutants from the medications have been found in waterways nationwide. These chemicals could impact aquatic life or degrade water quality.
|
