Medical & Pharmaceuticals recycling
How to Recycle Unused Medications
Expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications. FDA recommends take-back over flushing for almost every drug; only a short, named list of medications is meant to be flushed, and only as a last resort.
Special handlingFree at take-back sites and DEA Take Back Day eventsLast reviewed August 28, 2026
Quick answer
Check for specific instructions from your pharmacist first. If there aren't any, use a take-back option: a pharmacy drop-box, a DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event, or a mail-back envelope. Only flush a medication if it's specifically named on FDA's flush list and no take-back site is available near you.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
- Typical value
- Free at take-back sites and DEA Take Back Day events
How to Prepare
- 1For a take-back, keep liquids sealed in their original containers and follow the site's instructions
- 2Find a take-back option first: DEA's year-round drop-off locator, a participating pharmacy kiosk, or a mail-back envelope