Prescription Drug Disposal

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District recommends that the following steps be taken to properly dispose of prescription medications.

For pills:

  • Remove the bottle cap and add soda or water to the leftover pills to dissolve them.
  • Recap the bottle and secure it with tape.
  • If identification is a concern remove the label.
  • Once the pills have dissolved, place the bottle in the rubbish.

For liquid medications:

  • Remove the bottle cap and add a dry, small-grain material (i.e., flour or cereal) to the leftover liquid to absorb it.
  • Recap the bottle and secure it with tape.
  • If identification is a concern remove the label.
  • Once the liquid is absorbed, place the bottle in the rubbish.

It is safe to place medications in the rubbish because landfills are lined with material that prevents substances from contaminating ground water and surrounding sewer systems.

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