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Help reduce medication levels in streams and waterways by properly disposing of your unused medications.

Although more than 90 percent of the pharmaceuticals present in the environment result from patient excretion, improper disposal of unused medicines – specifically flushing them into the sewer system – can add to the amount of medicines detected in the environment.

Through the Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Merck supports programs that promote the proper disposal of unused medicines.

The best way to avoid medication waste is to follow your doctor’s instructions and use all medications as prescribed, and to purchase over-the-counter medicines in amounts you will fully use.  However, if you have leftover prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you can take a few small steps to help safeguard your family and protect the environment by disposing of unused medicines properly. 

• Do not flush unused medications or pour them down a sink or drain.
• Be proactive and dispose of unused medication in household trash. When discarding unused medications, help protect your children and pets from potentially negative effects:
• Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it or add water to dissolve it.
• Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the medication and makes it less appealing for pets and children to eat) to the plastic bag.
• Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash.
• Remove and destroy all identifying personal information (prescription label) from all medication containers before recycling them or throwing them in the trash.
• Check for local collection programs.  Another option is to check for approved local collection alternatives such as community-based household hazardous waste collection programs.  You may be able to take your unused medications to your community pharmacy or other location for disposal. 

Read our position on pharmaceuticals in the environment.

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