FDA Guidelines on Proper Methods of Disposing of Unused Medicine

For guidelines on proper methods of disposing of unused medicines, consult the FDA.gov. 

For guidelines on where to dispose of unused drugs visit here.

As a general rule of thumb, do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. For information on drugs that should be flushed visit the FDA’s website.

To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you may be able to take advantage of community drug take-back programs or other programs, such as household hazardous waste collection events, that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government’s household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug take-back program is available in your community. You can find more information here.