Proper Disposal of Unused Medications

Guidelines for Drug Disposal

If you would like to donate your unused medications, please click here to see if you are eligible.

Follow any specific disposal instructions on the drug label or patient information that accompanies the medication. Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so. For a list of medications recommended for disposal by flushing, please visit the following FDA website:

• FDA Information for Consumers: Disposal by Flushing of Certain Unused Medicines: What You Should Know

You may also elect to participate in North Dakota’s Drug Take Back Program (sponsored by the North Dakota Attorney General) or TakeAway™ Environmental Return System (sponsored by The North Dakota Pharmacy Board and North Dakota Pharmacy Association). These free programs allow you to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted or unused medications in secure locations. For more information regarding these programs, please view the following links:

• North Dakota's Options to Dispose of Unused Medications (402 KB PDF)
• TakeAway™ Environmental Return System: List of Acceptable and Unacceptable Medications (2108 KB PDF)
• TakeAway™ Participating Pharmacy Locator
• North Dakota Attorney General: Drug Take Back Program

If a drug-take back or collection program is not available in your area, and no disposal instructions are given on the medication label or information packet, throw the drugs in the trash; but first:

• Take them out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. The medication will be less appealing to children, pets, and people who may go through your trash.
• Put them in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.
• Be sure to scratch out any personal information on the label to make it unreadable. This will help protect your identity and the privacy of your health information.
• Do not give medication to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on a person’s specific symptoms and medical history. A drug that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.
• When in doubt about proper disposal, ask your pharmacist or visit the following websites:
  • FDA Customer Health Information: How to Dispose of Unused Medicines
  • Office of National Drug Control Policy: Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs (96 KB PDF)