How to recycle/dispose of medicine / prescription drugs

Curbside collection: Weekly - trash
County facilities accepting medicine / prescription drugs:
None

Dispose of medicine in trash

You may put medicine which is no longer needed into the regular household trash. Special disposal as household hazardous waste is not necessary. Please do not dispose of medicine by pouring it down the drain or into a toilet (unless the label or patient instructions specifically advise this).

1. Remove the patient's name from the vial or bottle.
2. If possible, make the remaining medication unusable. For example:
• Crush pills or tablets
• Mix with kitty litter.
3. Place vial or bottle, and the medication, into your regular household trash.

• How to dispose of unused medicines - US Food and Drug Administration fact sheet
• SMARxT Disposal Campaign - video instructions and downloadable education materials

An alternative: Medicine Recycling

Some organizations accept unused medicine. The medicine they collect is then sent to clinics in other countries. Check our "Use It Again guide for medicine recycler listings.

Find medicine recyclers

1. Select the "Medicine & Medical Equipment" category
2. Click on "Donate/Recycle it"
3. Then, click the "Start your search!" button.

"How to recycle/dispose of..." Index

This information last updated 6/8/2009.