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53% of Americans Unsure How to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications: Survey Reveals
Many Americans are unsure about the proper disposal methods for unused medications. Learn the safest ways to discard your prescriptions to protect your family and the environment.
The Problem of Unused Medications
Americans heavily rely on prescription medications, with 66% of adults—around 131 million people—taking at least one prescription drug, according to the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown University. Unfortunately, many of these medications go unused. A 2021 survey by Covanta, a waste management company, found that the average American adult holds onto four leftover medications, three of which are expired.
Public Safety Risks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that leftover medications pose significant public safety risks, including accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Children are particularly vulnerable; about 35,000 children under five are taken to emergency rooms each year after accidentally ingesting prescription drugs, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that over half of teenagers abusing prescription drugs find them at home or in friends’ homes.
Proper Disposal Methods
Despite the dangers, the Covanta survey found that 53% of respondents did not know how to properly dispose of unused medications. Many people throw them in the trash or flush them, even though these methods can harm the environment.
Drug Take-Back Programs
The best way to dispose of medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and pet medications, is through a drug take-back program. Many local pharmacies, grocery stores, hospitals, and police departments offer drop-off boxes. This service is free and anonymous; you don’t need to provide identification or fill out any paperwork. Collected drugs are incinerated at specialized waste-to-energy plants.
Before disposing of medications, keep them in their original containers but remove or black out personal information on the prescription labels to protect your privacy.
DEA Resources
The DEA provides a database of take-back sites. You can find the nearest locations by visiting their website or calling 800-882-9539. Some pharmacies also offer postage-paid envelopes for mailing unwanted medications, inhalers, or injectors to disposal facilities.
Safe Disposal at Home
If you cannot access a take-back program, the FDA recommends removing medications from their original containers and mixing them with undesirable materials like cat litter, dirt, or used coffee grounds. Place the mixture in a sealed container or bag to prevent leakage before throwing it in the trash.
Environmental Concerns
The EPA advises against flushing most medications down the toilet. Flushed drugs can seep into the groundwater from septic tanks or pass through water treatment systems into rivers and lakes. Most treatment plants cannot effectively remove these substances. The FDA maintains a list of flushable medications for those requiring immediate disposal.
Identifying Unknown Medications
If you are unsure about the medications you have, websites like Medscape offer interactive pill identification tools. Consumers’ Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org provide unbiased ratings and advice on various services, including medication disposal.
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