Prescription Drug Safety
How do you safely dispose of unused prescription medications? It’s a question that, over time, has had many different answers.
Today, due to environmental concerns, flushing old prescription drugs down the toilet is no longer the way to rid your medicine cabinet of old or unused medications.
Instead, toss your old pills into a plastic bag with kitty litter, coffee grounds or sawdust. Mix with water. Then, seal the bag and it is safe to throw in your household garbage.
Remember to always use a thick black marker to cross out your prescription information before disposing of the bottle.
Other Resources
Prescription Drug Safety Guide
Make sure you confirm the prescription written by your doctor; compare the medication at the pharmacy; and have the pharmacist call if there are differences.
Numerous national and state organizations, including the Washington Health Foundation, have partnered to produce this website that quickly overviews how to safely dispose of unused prescription medications.
