Why Proper Disposal Matters
Expired EpiPens, inhalers, and medicated patches aren’t just old medicine-they’re potential hazards. An unused EpiPen sitting in a drawer might save someone’s life, but if it ends up in the trash or flushed down the toilet the wrong way, it could hurt a child, a pet, or pollute your local water supply. The same goes for inhalers: those little canisters are pressurized, and if they’re crushed or thrown into a fire, they can explode. Patches like fentanyl or nicotine still hold powerful drugs on their sticky surface, even after they’ve been used. According to the FDA, 12% of accidental poisonings in kids come from improperly thrown-away medications. That’s not a small number. It’s a preventable risk.
How to Dispose of Expired EpiPens
EpiPens are not regular trash. They have a needle inside, which makes them medical sharps-just like syringes. You can’t just toss them in the recycling bin or throw them in the garbage without protection. The safest and easiest way is to take your expired EpiPen back to the place where you got it: your doctor’s office or pharmacy. Most allergists and clinics have sharps disposal bins and will take them without asking questions. If you’re getting a new prescription, just bring the old one with you.
If that’s not an option, look for a DEA-authorized drug take-back location. These are often at police stations, hospitals, or participating pharmacies. You can find the nearest one using the DEA’s National Take Back Initiative website. Don’t rely on your local CVS or Walgreens unless you call ahead-many only take pills, not auto-injectors.
For temporary storage at home, put the EpiPen in a hard plastic container like an empty laundry detergent bottle. Make sure the lid screws on tight. Label it clearly: “SHARPS,” “BIOHAZARD,” and “DO NOT RECYCLE.” Keep it out of reach of kids and pets. Never try to remove the needle or break it apart. That’s dangerous and illegal in many places. The AAAAI says these devices should be treated exactly like needles used in a doctor’s office-no exceptions.
What to Do with Old Inhalers
Inhalers are tricky. They’re not just plastic and metal-they contain propellants that are harmful to the environment. When these canisters end up in landfills or incinerators, they release greenhouse gases. Around 300 million inhalers are thrown away every year in the U.S. alone. So, don’t just toss them in the bin.
First, check the label. Some manufacturers give specific disposal instructions. If it says “do not puncture,” that’s your clue to avoid the trash. Many cities have special collection sites for aerosols. New York City, for example, accepts inhalers at Household Special Waste Drop-Off Sites. Check your local waste authority’s website or call them. Some pharmacies like Walgreens offer take-back programs, but only about half of their locations participate. Don’t assume yours does-call first.
If no drop-off exists nearby, the FDA says you can dispose of inhalers in household trash-but only after you remove the metal canister from the plastic holder. Punch a hole in the canister to release the pressure (wear gloves and do it outside if possible). Then throw the canister and plastic parts in separate bins. The plastic can go in recycling if your program accepts it. The metal canister goes in the trash. This isn’t ideal, but it’s better than leaving a pressurized can in a garbage truck.
Disposing of Medicated Patches
Patches are different. They’re not sharp, but they’re still dangerous if handled wrong. Fentanyl patches, for example, can kill someone if they touch the sticky side-even after use. The FDA has a special “flush list” of medications that should be flushed immediately to prevent accidental exposure. Fentanyl patches are on that list. So if you have one, fold it in half with the sticky sides together, then flush it down the toilet. Yes, really. That’s the official recommendation from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the DEA.
For other patches-like nicotine, lidocaine, or hormone patches-flushing isn’t always necessary. The safest method is to remove the patch, fold it so the adhesive sticks to itself, and put it in a sealed container with something unappetizing like coffee grounds or cat litter. Then throw it in the trash. This keeps kids and pets from finding it. Don’t use DisposeRx® packets for patches-they’re designed for pills and liquids, not transdermal patches.
Another option: wait for the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It happens twice a year, usually in April and October. Thousands of locations across the country accept all kinds of medications, including patches. In October 2022, they collected nearly a half-million pounds of drugs. It’s one of the most effective ways to dispose of them safely.
What NOT to Do
Here’s a quick list of mistakes people make:
- Don’t put EpiPens in recycling bins. The needle makes them hazardous waste.
- Don’t flush non-listed patches. Only flush fentanyl and other FDA-approved drugs.
- Don’t burn inhalers or puncture them without releasing pressure first.
- Don’t leave expired devices in reach of children or pets-even if they seem “empty.”
- Don’t assume your pharmacy takes everything. Always call ahead.
How to Stay Prepared
Prevention is better than cleanup. Check your EpiPens, inhalers, and patches every month. Mark the expiration date on your calendar. Set a reminder on your phone. Most devices last about a year after being opened. If you’ve had one for over a year, even if it hasn’t expired, it might not work properly.
Keep a small sharps container at home. You can buy one at any pharmacy for $5-$15. Use it for all your used or expired injectables. When it’s full, take it to a drop-off location. Some insurance plans even cover the cost. If you live in a rural area, mail-back programs exist. Companies like Safe Needle Disposal offer prepaid envelopes to send sharps to certified facilities.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor about disposal options during your next visit. Many still don’t mention it-but you’re entitled to know. The American Medical Association now recommends that providers educate patients on disposal during every prescription refill.
What’s Changing in 2025
Things are getting better. California passed a law in 2024 that requires drugmakers to pay for disposal programs. That means more drop-off bins at pharmacies, more mail-back options, and better labeling on packaging. Mylan, the maker of EpiPens, started adding QR codes to their boxes that link directly to disposal instructions. Other companies are following.
The EPA is also updating rules to limit pharmaceutical waste in waterways. Studies show 80% of rivers and streams in the U.S. now contain traces of medications. That’s not just an environmental issue-it’s a public health one. Better disposal means cleaner water, safer communities, and fewer accidental poisonings.
If you’ve ever struggled to find a place to drop off an expired EpiPen, you’re not alone. A 2023 survey found that 68% of people had trouble locating a disposal site. But awareness is growing. More hospitals, police stations, and pharmacies are stepping up. You just have to know where to look.
Can I throw expired EpiPens in the regular trash?
No. EpiPens have a needle and are classified as medical sharps. Throwing them in the trash risks injury to sanitation workers and children. Always use a sharps container and take it to a designated drop-off location like a pharmacy, hospital, or DEA take-back site.
Do pharmacies accept inhalers for disposal?
Some do, but not all. Only about 47% of Walgreens locations accept inhalers, and CVS rarely does. Always call ahead. Your best bet is checking with your city’s household hazardous waste program or visiting a DEA take-back event.
Should I flush my nicotine patch?
No. Only flush patches that are on the FDA’s flush list-like fentanyl. For nicotine patches, fold them in half with the sticky sides together, place them in a sealed container with coffee grounds or cat litter, and throw them in the trash.
What if I live in a rural area with no disposal sites?
Mail-back programs are your best option. Companies like Safe Needle Disposal and Sharps Compliance offer prepaid envelopes to send sharps and medications to certified facilities. These are legal, safe, and often covered by insurance. Check with your pharmacist or local health department for recommendations.
Is it safe to use an expired EpiPen in an emergency?
If you have no other option during a life-threatening reaction, using an expired EpiPen is better than using nothing. However, the medication may be less effective. Always replace expired devices as soon as possible. Keep a current one with you at all times.
Next Steps
Start today. Look at your medicine cabinet. Find your expired EpiPens, inhalers, and patches. Write down their names and expiration dates. Call your local pharmacy or city waste department. Ask: “Where can I safely drop these off?”
Set a monthly reminder to check your supplies. Keep a sharps container in your bathroom or kitchen. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about disposal options. You’re not just protecting yourself-you’re protecting your neighbors, your kids, and the environment.
Write a comment
Your email address will be restricted to us