February 28, 2017
Proper disposal of medicines protects you and the Earth:
- Prevents poisoning of children and pets
- Deters misuse by teenagers and adults
- Avoids health problems from accidentally taking the wrong medicine, too much of the same medicine, or a medicine that is expired
- Keeps medicines from entering streams and rivers when poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet
DON’T: Flush expired or unwanted drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.
DO: Return unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs to a drug take back program* or follow the steps below for household disposal.
If a medication disposal program is not available in your area, unwanted or expired medications should be thrown in the trash. Follow these steps:
- Take your drugs out of their original containers.
- Liquids should be poured over paper towels, kitty litter, or coffee grounds. Place tightly wrapped mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
- Solids (pills, capsules, tablets) may be mixed with undesirable substances such as coffee grounds or kitty litter so that they are less likely to be eaten. Place the tightly wrapped mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
- Conceal or remove any personal information, including RX number, on the empty containers by covering it with permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
- The sealed container with the drug mixture, and the empty drug containers, can now be placed in the trash.
*Adair County has a permanent medication drop box location at:
Adair County Sheriff’s Office
215 N. Franklin Street
Kirksville, MO 63501
Monday – Friday (excluding county holidays), 8:00am-5:00pm
