When you have prescription drugs you no longer need or take, it is vital to dispose of them properly. Leaving them sitting in your medicine cabinet can increase the risk of medication theft by friends and family members, especially when they are opioid-based medications. Throwing them in the trash is not a good idea, as it increases the risk of other people obtaining the medicines illegally. When prescription medications are misused, whether they are stolen or retrieved out of the trash, it can lead to dependence and prescription drug addiction. Even flushing them down the toilet is not entirely safe as it could have impacts on local water supplies, wildlife, and ecosystems. Prescription Drug Take Back Day is the best option to get rid of unwanted medications.
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What Day Is “Take Back Day” To Return Unused Drugs?
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day occurs in April and October. As the event approaches, people can find out the specific dates and times through community resources, such as their local police or fire station or the DEA website.
The National Take Back Day results for April 2024 included:
- 4,607 total law enforcement participation
- 4,869 collection sites
- 670,136 pounds of unwanted medications collected
The National Take Back Day results for October 2024 included:
- 4,425 total law enforcement participation
- 4,644 total collection sites
- 629,953 pounds of unwanted drugs collected
Since the first National Drug Take Back Day in 2010, the total amount of unwanted drugs collected through the October 2024 event was 19,200,440 pounds.
Where Else Can I Return Unused Drugs?
If you need to get rid of unused drugs and cannot wait for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are many pharmacies in your area. Make sure the medications are in their original container or packaging, and do not mix up pills.
How to Dispose of Medication Safely
The safest way to dispose of expired and unwanted medication is through a Drug Take Back Day event or a year-round drug disposal location, like your local pharmacy. Both of these options ensure medications are not accessible to others who could sell or use them for illicit purposes. It also helps prevent children from finding unwanted medications they could mistake for candy or take to see how it affects them, leading to accidental overdoses and, potentially, death.
How to Dispose of Old Pills
How to dispose of old pills safely is to take advantage of a drug take-back program through your local pharmacy or a National Drug Take Back Day. You should place all unwanted and expired medications in their original containers inside a clear, zip-locking plastic bag.
How to Dispose of Syrups and Liquids
Never pour unwanted syrups and liquids into the toilet or a sink. This can have adverse effects on local water supplies and the environment. Instead, look for drug take-back programs in your area to dispose of these medications safely.
How to Dispose of Syringes and Needles
Unused syringes and needles should be returned to your local pharmacy or during a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event. Used syringes and needles should be disposed of properly to prevent reuse and potential injuries. You can usually obtain a sharps disposal container from your local pharmacy and instructions on safely disposing of full containers. You should never put used syringes and needles, even when inside a sharps container, into your regular trash or recycling bin.
Where Do I Get Rid of Old Medications?
You can get rid of old medication through a local take-back program or during a National Drug Take Back Day Event. These programs accept prescription medications as well as unwanted and expired over-the-counter medications.
Can You Return Unused or Partially Used Prescriptions?
You can return unused or partially used prescriptions during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events. You can also safely dispose of these medications through a local pharmacy that participates in year-round drug take-back.
Do Pharmacies Recycle Empty Pill Bottles?
Some local pharmacies may have recycling programs where you can drop off empty bill bottles. You can check with your local pharmacy to see if they have such a program. Other options for recycling empty bill bottles include:
- Curbside recycling: If your community has a curbside recycling program, you can put empty pill bottles into your recycling bin.
- Donation: Some non-profit charitable organizations accept empty bill bottles and ensure they are recycled.
Before recycling empty pill bottles, you should remove the labels from the bottles. Make sure to remove all personal information, including your name, phone number, and prescription number. You can soak the bottles in warm water to make it easier to remove the labels.
Benefits of Participating in Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Some of the benefits of participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and local, year-round drug take-back programs include:
- Helps individuals to dispose of expired and unused medications safely
- Reduces and prevents prescription drug misuse
- Prevents others from stealing unwanted prescription medications
- Helps protect the environment
- Enhances community safety
- Helps reduce illegal prescription drug use
Find Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Southern California
If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug addiction, help is available at Phoenix Rising Recovery in Southern California. We offer comprehensive treatment programs utilizing evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities tailored to your specific needs. Moreover, our dedicated team is committed to guiding you every step of the way. So, Contact us today to take the first steps to a brighter, drug-free future.
Published: 4/29/2025
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