A to Z Guide: Drugs and Medications

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A to Z Guide

In most cases, unwanted medications should be placed in the trash. Mix the unwanted medication in a bag with something else to make it unpalatable, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and place directly in the trash.

A very small number of medications should be flushed down the toilet or a drain because of their extreme risk to children, pets and some adults. Please see the FDA Medication Disposal website for a listing of specific medications to be flushed.

The following additional types of medications should also be kept out of the trash:

  • Head lice shampoo – accepted at the District Transfer Station HazWaste Center. No fee for District residents. No other prescription medications will be accepted.
  • Chemotherapy drugs – seek disposal advice from a healthcare professional
  • Anti-neoplastic medicine – seek disposal advice from a healthcare professional

NOTE: The vast majority of unwanted medications should not be flushed down the drain. Medications can pass through water treatment plants and enter the environment, harming wildlife. They also may disrupt your septic system or the water treatment facility.