At CarelonRx, we know first-hand that managing medications effectively is crucial for maintaining the health and wellness of plan members. This includes adherence to prescriptions, avoiding contraindications, and proper storage. But when medicines are no longer in use, proper disposal is also a must to ensure the safety of your home and community.
The risks of accessible medications
Keeping expired or unnecessary medications can pose significant risks, including accidental ingestion by children or pets, reaching for the wrong container when taking medicines, and misuse by individuals who might take them inappropriately, especially medications containing opioids.
Medicines should be used exactly as directed, and any that may be left after the treatment period should not be shared. Safeguard all medications by storing them in a secure, locked location. Then, get rid of unused medications promptly and properly.
"Responsible disposal of medications is as critical as taking them as prescribed,” notes Dr. Dheeraj K. Raina, medical director at Carelon Behavioral Health. “Through proactive efforts like drug take-back programs and innovative disposal solutions, we can better protect our homes and communities against the dangers of medication mishandling."
Here, we provide three effective methods to ensure your medications don’t create a hazard for others.
1. Participate in drug take-back programs
One of the most secure ways to get rid of unused medications is through drug take-back programs, designed to provide a safe and convenient means of disposing of prescription drugs. Often hosted at community centers, police stations, or participating pharmacies, they ensure medications are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes National Prescription Drug Take Back Days each April and October, to encourage the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a responsible measure of preventing medication misuse – and subsequent opioid addiction – from ever starting. Check the DEA’s official website for the locations and timing of the next Take Back Day.1
2. Use drug disposal pouches
Drug disposal pouches are an innovative and straightforward option for at-home disposal. These pouches contain activated carbon, which neutralizes chemicals in medications when water is added, rendering the drugs inert and safe to dispose of in regular household trash. Available at many pharmacies, these pouches offer you a convenient way to dispose of medications responsibly from home.
3. Household trash disposal
When take-back programs or pouches are unavailable, you can safely dispose of many medications in your household trash by following these steps:
- Mix medications: Combine pills or liquid medicine with an unappealing substance such as dirt, used coffee grounds, or cat litter.
- Seal and dispose: Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent leakage and dispose of it in the trash.
- Protect privacy: Remove any personal information on prescription labels to protect privacy before discarding medicine containers.
- Check the FDA Flush List: Some drugs are on the FDA Flush List and should be immediately flushed down the toilet when no longer in use to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. Per the FDA, drugs on the flush list are those (a) sought-after for their misuse and/or abuse potential and (b) that can result in death from one dose if inappropriately taken. Check FDA guidelines for these specific drugs.2
Medication safety in the workplace
Safe drug storage and disposal is important beyond your home medicine cabinets. The tips above for safe handling of medicines also apply in the workplace.
- If you need to take medications during work hours and keep them in your purse, locker, or desk, store them securely and out of sight to prevent unauthorized access or accidental ingestion.
- Make it a priority to dispose of any expired or unused medicines responsibly to maintain a safe professional environment for everyone. This includes a regular round up of over-the-counter medicines that may be stored on site.
At CarelonRx, we are dedicated to ensuring safe and appropriate medication access. Home delivery through CarelonRx Pharmacy manages shipping to provide timely, discreet delivery directly to your doorstep. If you have questions about the safety of your medications, please call the CarelonRx pharmacy services number on the back of your member card. Our pharmacists are ready to help.
Together, let's take proactive steps to secure a safer, healthier environment for all.
1. DEA: Take Back Day (accessed April 15, 2025) dea.gov.
2. FDA: Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines (accessed April 15, 2025): fda.gov.
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