If you are unable to reach a pharmacy or health department, how should you dispose of medications?

Disposing of medications properly is crucial for public safety and environmental protection. Mixing medications with unappealing substances before throwing them away is an effective method to ensure that these drugs cannot be easily accessed or misused. This method typically involves crushing the medications and mixing them with something undesirable, such as dirt, used coffee grounds, or cat litter, which deters accidental ingestion or intentional misuse by someone who might rummage through the trash.

By following this procedure, you minimize the risk of these substances harming non-target individuals, including children and pets, while properly handling potentially dangerous or unused medications. This approach aligns with best practices advocated by health authorities for medication disposal, as it prevents medications from entering water supplies or harming the environment.

The other options do not adhere to recommended disposal practices, as simply throwing medications in the trash without any further precautions may pose a risk of accidental ingestion. Keeping medications in the medicine cabinet can lead to misuse or accidental harm, while giving medications to someone else can contribute to inappropriate use and potential legal issues.