How to Safely Dispose of Expired or Unused Medication, Needles and Syringes

Proper disposal of pet medications, needles, and syringes helps protect your household, community, and environment. Please follow the guidelines below for safe and responsible disposal.

Disposing of Expired or Unused Medications

• Always follow specific disposal instructions listed on the drug label or included information sheet.

• Do not flush medications down the toilet unless the packaging or insert specifically instructs you to do so.

• If no disposal instructions are provided, follow these steps for safe household disposal:

  1. Remove the medication from its original container.

  2. Mix it with an undesirable substance like used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or dirt to discourage misuse.

  3. Place the mixture in a sealed container such as a sealable plastic bag, empty can, or other leak-proof item to prevent spills or breakage.

  4. Throw the sealed container into your regular household trash.

• Whenever possible, use a local drug take-back program to drop off unused or expired medications at a secure collection site.

For more detailed information, visit the FDA's Drug Disposal Guidelines.

Disposing of Syringes and Needles (Sharps)

• Place used syringes or needles in a rigid, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof container (e.g., a thick plastic bottle with a secure lid).

• Label the container with the Biohazard symbol and clearly write "Sharps" on it.

• Once full and sealed, sharps containers can typically be placed with household waste, but:

  • Sharps disposal laws vary by state.

  • Always check your local regulations to ensure compliance with proper disposal methods.

For more info, you can contact your local waste management authority or check with your city or county health department.

If you have any questions about how to safely dispose of your pet’s medications or syringes, feel free to contact pharmacy support at 877-347-7387.