FAQ

This depends on which state you live in. There are some online resourcesExternal Link Disclaimer that may help you determine whether pharmaceutical donation and reuse programs exist in your state. It should be noted that most state programs do not accept controlled substances.

Here is a question and answer sheet about donating drugs for international humanitarian relief.

Disposal Options

Check the Package:

If there are any specific instructions for disposal on the label, package or package insert, please follow those instructions.
Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless the information on the package specifically instructs you to do so.

Convenient Kiosks:

Community drug take-back locations at local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies allow residents to bring expired or unwanted medicines to a convenient, centralized location for proper disposal.

Take-Back Event:

Local take-back events may offer residents a free and convenient way to dispose of expired or unwanted medicines.

In-Home Disposal:

If no disposal instructions are given on the drug labeling and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash following these steps.

1. Remove them from their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter (this makes the drug less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through the trash seeking drugs).
   
   
2. Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the drug from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.

Do not flush medications down the toilet, unless the information on the label, package, or package insert specifically instructs you to do so. Never place sharps in the trash or recycling, and never flush them down the toilet.

Several government agencies provide information regarding safe disposal of medication. Please refer to the FDA's website for more information: "Consumer Updates: How to Dispose of Unused Medicines".

Several government agencies provide information regarding safe disposal of sharps.Please refer to the FDA’s website (“Needles and Other Sharps (Safe Disposal Outside of Health Care Settings)”).

Please use the contact information (phone, email, or website) to contact the location directly. They have the most up-to-date information, including what can be disposed of and hours of operation.

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