How can I safely dispose of prescription medication?

Want to get rid of old prescription drugs knocking around in your cupboards? Kevin Soden, MD, shares 4 DEA- and FDA-approved tips to dispose of prescriptions drugs safely.

Transcript

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But for about 30 very risky medicines, including the painkiller oxycontin, flushing is safer than trashing according to the Food and Drug

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Administration. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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Have you got old prescriptions knocking around in your cupboards? Here's how to dispose of medications you don't need anymore.

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Turn them in. The DEA sponsors the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day a couple times a year.

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So far, this campaign has taken more than 1.5 million pounds of unwanted and expired prescriptions out

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of circulation. Check with your local police department to find out about the next Take Back Day. Yuckify them.

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Don't just toss meds. Rips and tears happen, exposing the contents to kids and pets. Instead, remove drugs from their containers

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and mix them with something gross like coffee grounds or used cat litter. Put that yucky mixture into a sealable bag.

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Black out or scratch off personal info on empty pill bottles, including the prescription number. Drop it all into separate trash bags and seal it tightly.

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Flush them. Don't do this with most drugs, because residues get into water supplies and can impact others.

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But for about 30 very risky medicines, including the painkiller oxycontin, flushing is safer than trashing according to the Food and Drug

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Administration. Visit www.fda.gov for a list of drugs to flush if you can't turn them in.