Proper storage and disposal of medications

It’s important to make sure you are safely storing and managing your prescription medications, which can help keep yourself and your family members, especially young children and pets, safe. Here are some tips:

• Unless directed otherwise, store medications in a cool, dry place away from bright light and humidity, like a dresser drawer, a closet or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove, sink or other hot appliances.
• Use/ask for child-proof containers, and keep prescription medicine out of reach and sight of children and pets
• Keep medications in their original containers from the pharmacy (so you can see their names and expiration dates) and store in a locked cabinet, hidden location or lockbox

Unneeded or expired medications that are not properly secured or disposed of can be associated with accidental poisoning, improper access by those seeking to misuse them, and even potential contamination of waterways. You can help prevent prescription drug misuse and promote safer communities, starting in your own home, by properly  disposing of medications.

There are multiple ways to dispose of unwanted medications — including through CVS Pharmacy® safe medication disposal kiosks and take-home drug deactivation packets like DisposeRx®.  

• Medication disposal kiosks: In-store disposal units at select CVS Pharmacy locations accept prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and liquid medication bottles. Items not allowed include illegal drugs (Schedule I), needles, syringes or sharps containers, medical devices and batteries, aerosol cans and inhalers, chemicals and mercury-containing devices. The secure kiosks are available in thousands of locations nationwide, located near the pharmacy and are monitored by pharmacists.
• DisposeRx®: When combined with warm water and added to a pill bottle, DisposeRx® suspends medications into a biodegradable gel, which can be safely discarded at home. DisposeRx® packets are available at select CVS Pharmacy locations for certain prescriptions.

The best way to get rid of medications is to use a permanent drug disposal box, especially for substances with potential for misuse. However, some medications can be safely disposed of at home if a drug disposal box is unavailable. To ensure medications are disposed of safely, it is important to learn proper at-home practices.


• Flush it: While flushing is not recommended in most cases, some medications need to be flushed if no take-back options are immediately available in your area. Check the label or consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “flush list”   to confirm whether a medication can be flushed.
• Throw it in the trash: Almost all medicines, except those on the FDA’s flush list, can be thrown into household trash. Prescription and over-the-counter pills, liquids, drops, patches and creams must remain intact, but should be removed from their original containers and mixed with something undesirable such as coffee grounds or cat litter, then placed in a secure bag or container. Don’t forget to scratch out all personal information on prescription labels.
• Contact your trash and recycling facility: Read labels and follow local regulations and laws about properly disposing of inhalers or other aerosol products as these can be dangerous if punctured or thrown into a fire or incinerator.


CVS Pharmacy has collected millions of pounds of unwanted and expired medication through its safe medication disposal units since they were established in 2014. Locate a drug disposal box near you, including select CVS Pharmacy locations.