Revised On: Jan. 24, 2024 - 2:30 p.m.

Why Is Proper Prescription Drug Disposal Important?

Improperly discarded drugs threaten public health and our environment with the potential to:

• Poison children and animals that may find the medication
• Be scavenged and sold unlawfully
• Pass through sewage treatment plants and septic tanks and contaminate groundwater and soil
  
  

How Can You Help Protect Your Community?

• Practice safe drug disposal at home by following these guidelines:
• Find the closest drop box location for unused, unneeded or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs | Drop Box Locator >
• Discard your unused, unneeded or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs in the drop box.
• If you cannot locate a convenient drop box: 

STEP 1: Remove unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs from their original containers.

STEP 2: Place them in an impermeable, nondescript container.

STEP 3: Mix them with an encapsulating agent to further ensure they are not diverted or accidentally ingested by children or pets or contaminate groundwater.

STEP 4: Seal the container tightly and throw it in the trash.

Prescription Drug Disposal Fact Sheet | View/Download >

Commercial Disposal

For commercial prescription drug disposal check with a registered biohazardous medical waste transporter. Learn more about commercial drug waste disposal | View EPA Guide >