Resources
Safe Medication Disposal
How to Identify Expired Medications & Know When They've Gone Bad
What Does the Expiration Date Mean?
Every medication has an expiration date printed on the prescription label or directly on the bottle or packaging. This date marks the manufacturer’s guarantee of full potency and safety. After this date:
- The medication may lose effectiveness
- Chemical changes could make it unsafe
- It may not treat your condition as intended
Where to Find the Expiration Date:
- Prescription Medications: Look for the “EXP” date on the pharmacy label—usually near the bottom or side.
- Over-the-Counter Products: Check the bottle, box, or blister pack for a stamped expiration date.
Signs Your Medication May Be Bad (Even Before It Expires):
- Change in Color or Texture: Pills that crumble, stick together, or change color may be compromised.
- Unusual Smell: A sour, musty, or chemical odor is a red flag.
- Cloudy or Separated Liquids: Suspensions or solutions should be uniform—if they separate or look cloudy, toss them.
- Damaged Packaging: If the seal is broken or the container is cracked, moisture or air may have affected the product.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out—Safely.
If you’re unsure whether a medication is still good, don’t risk it. Follow our home disposal guide for safe disposal.
Why Proper Medication Disposal is Important
Expired or unused medications can be dangerous if left at home. They may:
- Be accidentally ingested by children or pets
- Be misused or abused
- Harm the environment if flushed or trashed improperly
Top Ways to Dispose of Medications Safely
- Pharmacy Take-Back Programs: Bring unused medications to local take-back locations. These programs ensure safe, eco-friendly disposal. Find a takeback event near you here.
- Secure Drop-Off Bins: Many pharmacies offer year-round disposal kiosks.
- Mail-Back Envelopes: Some health plans and pharmacies provide prepaid envelopes for safe disposal.
- Home Disposal (If No Other Option):
- Mix medications (do not crush) with coffee grounds or cat litter.
- Seal in a plastic bag and place in the trash.
- Remove personal info from prescription labels before discarding bottles.
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
- Don’t flush medications unless FDA guidelines say it’s safe.
- Don’t share unused prescriptions with others.
How to Dispose of Sharps (Needles, Syringes, Lancets) Safely
Why Safe Sharps Disposal Matters
Improper disposal of sharps can cause:
- Needle-stick injuries
- Spread of infections
- Harm to sanitation workers and the public
Best Practices for Sharps Disposal:
- Use a Sharps Container: Place used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container. If unavailable, use a heavy-duty plastic bottle (like a detergent container) with a tight lid.
- Seal and Label: Once full, seal the container and label it “Do Not Recycle.”
- Drop-Off Locations: find drop off locations near you at https://safeneedledisposal.org/
- Check Local Guidelines: Disposal rules vary by city and state. Visit your local health department’s website or ask our team for help. Here’s McKinney’s guide.
Never:
- Toss loose sharps in the trash or recycling
- Flush sharps down the toilet