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What to do with unused medicinesWhat to do with unused medicines
While it may seem wasteful to dispose of unused medicines, saving them ‘just in case’ can be dangerous.
Most medicines deteriorate with time, which can lead to changes in their chemical composition. These changes can result in them becoming toxic or less effective if they are used after their expiry date.
Dispose of them safely
The Return Unwanted Medicines project is a free Australia-wide service. Local pharmacies collect out-of-date, unwanted and left-over medicines, and then arrange for them to be disposed of safely in high temperature incinerators.
In the past, people often flushed unwanted medicines down the sink or toilet, or put them in the rubbish to be taken to the tip. Disposing of medicines in these ways can damage the environment, particularly streams and soils.
Using the Return Unwanted Medicines scheme ensures that your unwanted medicines are disposed of safely without harming the environment, people or pets. It also helps to make your home safer.
Check first then dispose
You can take your unwanted and expired medicines back to a pharmacy at any time. So, it’s a good idea, every so often, to gather all the medicines in your home, and:
- remove any that have passed their expiry date
- go through the remaining medicines and check whether you really need them, and remove any that you no longer need
- take all the expired and no-longer needed medicines to a pharmacy.
Most medicines deteriorate with time, which can lead to changes in their chemical composition.
These changes can result in them becoming toxic or less effective if used after their expiry date.
Further information
If you would like more information, talk to your pharmacist or download the ‘Return Unwanted Medicines’ brochure.
MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2011-09-05 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
