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WHEN TO DISCARD MEDICATIONS
- The medication is expired by one year or greater. The date the medication was distributed is on the pharmacy label on the bottle.
- The provider has made a medication change but there is still some medicine left.
- The provider has stopped the medication.
HOW TO DISCARD
- DO NOT FLUSH UNWANTED MEDICATIONS DOWN THE DRAIN
- Medications may contain chemicals that will not break down in the environment.
- Residues from medications can affect fish and wildlife.
- Chemicals from medications can contaminate drinking water.
- Household disposal
- Take the medication out of the container(s).
- Fill a sealable bag with ground material such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or kitty litter.
- Crush any tablets and open any capsules. Liquids can be poured directly into the ground material.
- Place the crushed medication and/or the contents of the capsules into the ground material.
- Seal the bag and place it in a plastic container, securing with the lid.
- Place the container in the trash.
- Conceal any personal information on the label of the container or remove the label.
- Discard the container(s) in the trash.
- Drug drop-off programs
- Drop off locations can be found by searching on the internet for the North Carolina Department of Insurance Operation Medicine Drop. Scroll down and select “permanent drop box” or “take-back event” and enter zip code for closest sites.
- Charlotte Region drop off locations – call ahead to verify hours.
- Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center 704-496-9182
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Police – Lobby 704-336-7600
- Walgreens South Tryon 704-334-6262
- Dilworth Drug and Wellness 704-910-4288
- Walgreens Morrison Blvd 704-367-1716
- Walgreens North Tryon 704-547-8551
- Mecklenburg County Sheriff – Jail North 980-314-5500
- UNC Charlotte Police Department 704-687-5649
- Benzer Pharmacy, Mint Hill 704-573-6899
- Mint Hill Pharmacy 704-910-2718
- Local sheriff and police departments accept unused medication in the original form (ie not crushed). Liquid medications are not accepted. Call ahead to verify hours.
