Which of the following is a recommended method for safe disposal of medications?

Mixing medication with cat litter or coffee grounds is indeed a recommended method for safe disposal of medications. This approach is advised because it helps to make the medication less appealing to children and pets, thus reducing the risk of accidental ingestion. By combining the medication with an unpalatable substance, such as cat litter or coffee grounds, it is rendered less recognizable and therefore safer to dispose of in household trash.

This method aligns with guidelines from health authorities to prevent environmental contamination and to ensure that medications do not enter the water supply or endanger wildlife if disposed of improperly.

The other disposal methods mentioned do not follow recommended safety protocols, as returning medications to the place of purchase is not always practical and may not be accepted at all pharmacies. Giving medications to friends risks misuse and could lead to harmful interactions, especially if they have not been prescribed to that individual. Pouring medications down the kitchen sink can lead to contamination of water sources, which can have detrimental effects on the environment. Thus, mixing medications with cat litter or coffee grounds represents the most responsible and safe method of disposal.