A medicine cabinet cleanout is a good habit, but how you get rid of old medication matters just as much as doing it at all.
Why disposal method matters
Flushing medication can introduce drugs into the water supply. Throwing pills in household trash unmodified can make them accessible to children, pets, or anyone who goes through the trash.
Use a take-back program when you can
Many pharmacies, hospitals and police stations host permanent or periodic drug take-back collection boxes. This is the preferred disposal method recommended by the FDA for most medications, including controlled substances in participating programs.
If no take-back option is available
Mix the medication (don't crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance like used coffee grounds or cat litter, seal it in a bag, and place it in the household trash. Remove personal information from the prescription label before discarding the container.
A short list of medications the FDA says to flush
A small number of particularly dangerous medications are specifically recommended for flushing if no take-back option is available, because the risk of accidental ingestion outweighs the environmental concern. Check the FDA's flush list or ask a pharmacist if you're unsure whether your specific medication qualifies.
When in doubt, ask your pharmacist
Pharmacists can tell you whether a take-back program is available nearby and whether your specific medication has special disposal instructions.