What are the safest ways to dispose of expired medications?

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Do you have any expired or unused medications in your home? If so, you might be wondering how to get rid of them safely and responsibly. Throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet can harm the environment and pose a risk to human and animal health. In this article, you will learn about the safest ways to dispose of expired medications, following the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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Valérie Knockaert

Développeur d'affaires à l'international | International Business Developer | Industrie | Industry | Services |…

1 Check the label

The first step to dispose of expired medications is to check the label for any specific disposal instructions. Some medications, such as opioids, have special instructions to prevent misuse or abuse. For example, you might need to mix them with an unpalatable substance, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds, and seal them in a plastic bag before throwing them away. Follow the label directions carefully and do not remove any personal information from the prescription bottles.

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Luis Felipe Suárez Medina

Sostenibilidad | Economía Circular | Educación Ambiental | Cambio Climático | ESG | ODS |
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En Colombia se desarrollan estrategias especificas para cada tipo de residuo, entre esos los medicamentos vencidos y parcialmente consumidos de línea para humanos y para animales, se reglamento a travez de la resolución 0371 de 2009 y su correcta disposición es entregandolos a un gestor debidamente autorizado por ministerio de ambiente para su aprovechamiento y/o inactivación y disposición final en un relleno de seguridad.

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2 Find a take-back program

The best way to dispose of expired medications is to find a take-back program in your area. These programs collect and dispose of unwanted medications safely and securely, following the regulations of the DEA and the EPA. You can find a take-back location near you by visiting the DEA's website or calling their toll-free number. You can also check with your local pharmacy, health department, or law enforcement agency if they offer any take-back services. Some take-back programs accept medications year-round, while others only operate on specific dates.

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3 Use a mail-back service

Another option to dispose of expired medications is to use a mail-back service. These services provide you with a prepaid envelope or package to mail your unwanted medications to a licensed disposal facility. You can obtain a mail-back service from some pharmacies, health care providers, or online vendors. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to prepare and label your medications for mailing. Do not mail any controlled substances, such as opioids, unless the mail-back service is authorized by the DEA.

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4 Consult a professional

If you are not sure how to dispose of expired medications, or if you have any questions or concerns, you should consult a professional. You can contact your pharmacist, doctor, or local waste management authority for advice and guidance. They can help you identify the best disposal method for your specific medications and situation. They can also inform you about any laws or regulations that apply to your state or community.

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Valérie Knockaert

Développeur d'affaires à l'international | International Business Developer | Industrie | Industry | Services | Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France | French Foreign Trade Advisor
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Dans la très grande majorité des cas, il suffit de rapporter les médicaments périmés à une pharmacie. C’est le moyen le plus simple et le plus s?r pour s’en débarrasser.

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5 Avoid common mistakes

Finally, you should avoid some common mistakes that can compromise the safety and effectiveness of your medications and the environment. Do not flush your medications down the toilet or sink, unless the label or a professional tells you to do so. Flushing can contaminate the water supply and affect aquatic life. Do not throw your medications in the trash, unless you have no other option and you have followed the label instructions. Throwing can expose your medications to children, pets, or scavengers. Do not share your medications with others, even if they have the same condition or symptoms. Sharing can cause adverse reactions, interactions, or infections.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the safest ways to dispose of expired medications?

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2

3

4

5

6

1 Check the label

2 Find a take-back program

3 Use a mail-back service

4 Consult a professional

5 Avoid common mistakes

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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What are the safest ways to dispose of expired medications?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Check the label

2 Find a take-back program

3 Use a mail-back service

4 Consult a professional

5 Avoid common mistakes

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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