Which of the following is TRUE regarding the disposal of expired medications?

Returning expired medications to a pharmacy take-back program is a recommended practice because it helps ensure that medications are disposed of safely and responsibly. These programs are specifically designed to collect unused or expired medications and safely dispose of them in a manner that minimizes environmental harm and prevents improper use or diversion.

Pharmacies participating in these programs manage the medications according to regulatory guidelines. This approach is essential for safeguarding public health and the environment, as it prevents potential contamination of water supplies and reduces the risk of accidental ingestion by children or pets.

In contrast, throwing expired medications in the regular trash or flushing them down the toilet can lead to environmental pollution and is typically discouraged. While mixing medications with coffee grounds or other substances helps obscure them when disposed of in the trash, it does not provide the same level of safety and accountability that a take-back program offers. Therefore, utilizing a take-back program aligns with best practices for medication disposal and public health safety.