How to Properly Dispose of Old Medication

Ah, New Year’s resolutions. That annual ritual when you recommit to get organized and get the clutter out. It’s a new start. It’s a time to shed the things you no longer need and embrace the newfound space and items that you appreciate.

Your household medicine cabinet is no different. When was the last time you cleared out your medicine cabinet? Did you know you were supposed to do that?

According to a 2017 study conducted by Consumer Reports, approximately one-third of Americans haven’t cleaned out their medicine cabinet in the past year, and almost one-fifth haven’t done so for three years, even though most medications expire within just a year.

There are some real dangers to keeping old medicine bottles and unwanted, unused, or expired medicines. People can be tempted to skip medical appointments by substituting old medications for updated medicines. Since pills, capsules, and liquids can spoil or lose their potency, they’re not likely to be effective past their expiration date. And when you’re depending upon life-saving medications, taking expired medications can be life-threatening.

How to Dispose of Old Medication

There are easy ways to avoid this. If you There is a National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day on April 17, 2020, so you can start by putting that on your calendar.

Since the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” twice a year, that’s a great time as well. Next year the first take back day is April 25, 2020, right after the clean-out day. The DEA partners with hospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and state and local law enforcement facilities to offer anonymous, safe, and secure disposal sites across the country. And remember, this website lists kiosk site locations that are open year-round. Just check out our convenient Locator.