08/29/2026
💊 ASK YOUR PHARMACIST FRIDAY 💉
“Can I bring old medications and used syringes to the pharmacy?”
I get versions of this question all the time, and the answer is: sometimes, but not necessarily.
Not every pharmacy is an authorized medication take back location, and used needles, syringes, and lancets require a different type of disposal.
So, what should you do?
💊 Unused or expired medications:
A medication take back location is generally the best option. Authorized collection sites may be located at participating pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, or law enforcement facilities. Always check before showing up with your medications.
📦 No take back location nearby?
Depending on the medication, there may be safe options for disposal at home. Some pharmacies also offer mail back envelopes or medication disposal products, such as DisposeRx. Do not automatically flush medications. Only certain medications are recommended for flushing when a take back option is not readily available.
💉 Needles, syringes, and lancets:
These require separate sharps disposal. Never place loose sharps in your household trash or put them into a medication take back box. Use an appropriate sharps container and follow your local disposal guidance.
📍 For my Northern Kentucky neighbors:
Northern Kentucky Health offers local resources for safe disposal and can provide free sharps containers for unwanted or used syringes.
Cleaning out your medicine cabinet? Have a container of used syringes sitting around because you are not quite sure what to do with them?
Please do not guess. There are safe options available, and your pharmacist can help point you in the right direction.
Because medication safety does not stop when you are finished taking the medication.