Operation Medicine Cabinet

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Drive up, Drop off, and Drive out! No questions asked!

Many people have questions about what to do with unused or expired prescription medications and over-the-counter products. Most products sold today are imprinted with an expiration date to inform consumers of the intended life of the item. Everything from milk and eggs to shampoo and body lotions come clearly marked with a "Use by" date to protect their users. Medications are no exception. Drugs remain effective for a set amount of time because many become less potent after their expiration date. Other drugs can become dangerous after expiration due to chemical alterations that can occur over time.

It is common practice to continue to take medications after their effective date has come and gone. The same person who chooses to toss a whole carton of milk that is one day past its prime probably has expired drugs junking up their medicine cabinet. Some elderly people may take six to ten medications at once, so it is very easy for them to get confused or lose track of "Use by" dates. As a result, some seniors ingest expired drugs unknowingly, while others do it to save money or the time and effort it takes to replace the medication.

Why You Should Care

People who know their meds are no longer viable often aren't sure how to dispose of them. It is important to clear our cabinets and countertops of these items at least once a year. Do you toss them in the trash? Flush them down the toilet? Dump them in the sink? The answers here are No, No and NO!

Putting old meds in the trash can result in a child or pet ingesting them. The drugs can also seep out of their containers and contaminate the soil.
Taking the toilet or sink route isn't much better. These drugs can end up contaminating the water supply, leading to illness in humans, pets, livestock and wildlife.