If you cannot go to a pharmacy, where can you take your medication for disposal?

The correct approach for disposal of medication that cannot be returned to a pharmacy is to smash the medication and throw it in the garbage. This method is recommended because it ensures that the medication is not easily identifiable or usable by others. By crushing the medication, you minimize the risk of accidental ingestion by children or pets, and when combined with an unpalatable substance, such as dirt or used coffee grounds, it further deters misuse.

This method aligns with safety guidelines often suggested by health authorities regarding medication disposal, which emphasize rendering the medication unusable and then sealing it in a container before discarding it in the household trash. Other methods listed, such as mixing it with food or disposing of it in the garden, may not adequately prevent the potential for misuse or environmental contamination. Burning medication outside poses significant risks, including the potential release of toxic fumes and legal restrictions on open burning.