Don't Flush! Safely Dispose of Your Unused Medications in Pinellas County
Cleaning out your medicine cabinet? Expired prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications piling up? Flushing them down the toilet might seem convenient, but it's harmful to our environment and water systems. Luckily, Pinellas County residents have several safe and responsible options for medication disposal!
Top Choice: Operation Medicine Cabinet
For prescription medications only, Pinellas County offers Operation Medicine Cabinet. This program provides secure drop-off boxes at convenient locations. Simply remove the caps from liquids and secure them with tape, then drop them off anonymously and for free.
Find a drop-off location and learn more at: https://pcsoweb.com/operation-medicine-cabinet or call 727-582-6221.
Other Convenient Options:
Walgreens Medicine Disposal: Select Walgreens locations have drop-off boxes for both prescription and OTC medications. Liquids must be taken to the pharmacy counter during pharmacy hours.
DEA Medication Disposal Search Tool: Find additional drop-off locations throughout Pinellas County using the US Drug Enforcement Administration's tool.
At-Home Medication Disposal (Last Resort):
While not the most preferred option, disposing of certain medications in your regular trash is acceptable in Pinellas County. But before you toss them, follow these crucial steps:
Keep medications in their original container for easy identification.
Protect privacy: Mark out patient name and prescription number on the label.
"Treat" pills: Dissolve them in water or soda. For liquids, mix with absorbent material like cat litter or dirt.
Seal it tight: Close the lid and secure it with duct or packing tape. Place the sealed container inside an opaque container like a coffee can or laundry bottle. Tape it closed again.
Hide it well: Conceal the container inside a trash can, not a recycle bin.
Important Reminders:
Never flush medications! It harms the environment and water systems.
Do not dispose of sharps (syringes, lancets) in the trash. Pinellas County offers a free Household Used Sharps Exchange Program: Sharps Disposal | Florida Department of Health in Pinellas (floridahealth.gov)
Epi-Pens: Dispose of them through the Sharps Exchange Program or at Operation Medicine Cabinet locations. You can also check with your prescribing physician for take-back options.
By disposing of medications responsibly, we protect our community and environment. Choose the option that best suits your needs and keep Pinellas County healthy!
This blog post was written by Junk Rescue Pinellas, your local partner in responsible junk removal and disposal.