What do I do with old medications?

If a take-back or mail back program is not available to you, most unused or expired medications can be disposed of in your household trash.  

Here are recommended steps to follow:

* Remove your unwanted medication from the original container.

* Mix the Medication (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an undesirable substance such as cat litter, dirt, flour or used coffee grounds.

* Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag or empty margarine tub.

* Throw the container in your household trash.

* DO NOT FLUSH OR POUR DOWN THE DRAIN.  Keeping prescription and over-the-counter medication out of the environment is VERY important.  After being flushed or poured down a drain, many medicines pass through sewer and septic systems.  Because these systems cannot always treat or remove the medicines, they may end up in streams, lakes and groundwater.  This can cause adverse effects in fish and other aquatic wildlife, as well as unintentional human exposure.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do with used hypodermic needles or lancets that I used at home?
2. What do I do with old medications?
3. Are centers closed on Holidays?
4. Does it cost me anything to use the 10 convenience site drop off locations?
5. Are any centers open on Sunday?
6. Do I have to separate my items?
7. What are the hours of operation?
8. Does Hampton County accept paint?
9. How do I dispose of mixed gas and oil or contaminated fuels?
10. My freezer quit working and my food spoiled. Can I take the food to a site?
11. What do I do with pesticide containers?
12. Do you take out-of-county debris?
13. Do you accept creosoted cross-ties?
14. I have large semi-truck tires. Can I bring them to the 10 convenience site drop off locations?