By Brad Rhodes

With the ongoing impact of substance use disorders and the increasing awareness of environmental concerns, proper medication disposal is more crucial than ever in 2025. Unused medications lingering in homes contribute to accidental poisonings, particularly among children, and fuel the potential for misuse and abuse. Furthermore, improper disposal methods can have detrimental effects on our environment.

The risks of improper disposal:

• Misuse and abuse: Unused prescription medications in homes are a significant source of drugs for misuse and abuse. This contributes to the ongoing opioid crisis and other substance use issues.
• Accidental poisoning: Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to accidental ingestion of medications left unsecured in homes.
• Environmental contamination: Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can lead to pharmaceutical contamination of our waterways. This can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems and potentially impact human health through the food chain.

When to dispose of medication:

• Expired medication: Medications past their expiration date may be less effective or even harmful.
• Unneeded medication: If a medication is no longer needed or prescribed, it should be disposed of promptly.
• Damaged or altered medication: Medications that appear damaged, discolored or altered in any way should not be used and should be discarded safely.
• Recalled medication: If a medication has been recalled by the manufacturer, it should be removed from your home immediately.

Recommended methods for safe medication disposal:

1. Medication take-back programs: These programs, often sponsored by local law enforcement or pharmacies, provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Check with your local pharmacy or search online for take-back locations in your area. The DEA also periodically hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Days.
2. In-home disposal: If a take-back program isn’t readily available, you can dispose of most medications safely at home:
   • Mix the medication with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds, kitty litter or dirt. This makes the medication less appealing and harder to extract.
   • Place the mixture in a sealed container, such as a plastic bag or an empty pill bottle, to prevent leakage.
   • Remove any personal information from the prescription label before discarding the container in your regular trash.
3. Consult your pharmacist: Pharmacists are a valuable resource for information on proper medication disposal. They can provide guidance on specific medications and any local regulations.

Special considerations:

• Controlled substances: Opioids and other controlled substances require extra caution. Take-back programs are the preferred method for disposing of these medications. If in-home disposal is necessary, follow the specific instructions provided with the medication or consult your pharmacist.
• Sharps: Needles, syringes and other sharps require specific disposal methods to prevent injuries. Check with your local waste disposal company or healthcare provider for guidelines on safe sharps disposal. Often, they will recommend using a specially designed sharps container.
• Environmental impact: While in-home disposal is sometimes necessary, it’s important to be mindful of the potential environmental impact. Take-back programs are generally the most environmentally sound option as they often utilize specialized disposal methods.

Key takeaway:

Proper medication disposal is a shared responsibility. By taking the necessary steps to dispose of unused medications safely, we can protect our loved ones, our communities, and our environment. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance.

Brad Rhodes, a native North Carolinian, is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management. Syndicated Columnists is the sole provider of this material, both written and conceptual, for this column. All rights reserved.