Unused and expired medications can fall into the wrong hands when left around the house, posing a risk to families and the environment. As a citizen, you can help play a vital role in the proper disposal of unused and expired medications to ensure they cause no harm to anyone who enters your home.
Participate in local medication take-back programs, often organized by law enforcement agencies, pharmacies or community organizations. These events provide a convenient and secure way to dispose of medications.
Toledo Family Pharmacy participates in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day that happens twice a year with an upcoming cycle in October.
Many pharmacies offer medication disposal services. Simply take your unused medicines to a participating pharmacy and deposit them in their collection bin. This option is ideal for controlled substances and prescription medications.
These locations in the local Toledo area can help provide you with a safe drop off location:
- ProMedica Outpatient Pharmacy, 2142 North Cove Boulevard
- St. Vincent Medical Center, 2213 Franklin Ave.
- CVS Pharmacy, 4121 Franklin Ave.
- St. Vincent Medical Center, 2213 Cherry St.
- Rite-Aid, 1012 West Sylvania Ave.
- Walgreen, 4580 Monroe St.
- CVS Pharmacy, 2104 South Byrne Road
To find more locations in and around the Toledo area, look at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website or contact their number at 1-888-463-6332.
If a take-back program or pharmacy drop-off is unavailable, you can safely dispose of most medicines at home. Follow these steps:
- Mix the medications with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter.
- Place the mixture in a sealed container to prevent leaks.
- Throw the container in the trash. Be sure to remove any personal information from the medicine packaging before disposal to protect your privacy.
