Proper disposal of veterinary medications is essential for the safety of animals and household members. Improper storage or disposal can cause serious health risks if accidentally ingested, including injury, adverse reactions, toxicity, or death.
The information provided below may be beneficial to clients who call the clinic regarding their pet’s unused medications. Download a handout for veterinary clients.
Unused or expired medications can accumulate as your pet’s treatment plan changes. However, keeping old medications can be dangerous—accidental ingestion may cause illness, toxicity, or even death. Proper disposal protects pets, people, and the environment.
Drug Take-Back Programs (Best and Safest Option)
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offers drug take-back programs, the preferred way to dispose of unused or expired medications. These include:
- Authorized year-round collection sites at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and law enforcement facilities.
- Semiannual national take-back events.
- DEA information line: 1-800-882-9539
- Year-round locations: https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1
- Semiannual locations: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
FDA ‘Flush List’ Medications
The FDA recommends flushing these high‑risk medications if take‑back options are not available:
- Buprenorphine, high risk of accidental ingestion or misuse
- Fentanyl, extremely potent opioid; dangerous even in small amounts
- Hydrocodone, risk of abuse and severe toxicity
- Morphine, high misuse and overdose potential
- Oxycodone, commonly abused opioid; dangerous if ingested
- Diazepam, high risk of accidental ingestion and misuse
For a comprehensive list of medications, including those applicable to humans, visit the DEA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines#FlushListLinks
Other Safe Disposal Options
Prepaid Drug Mail-Back Envelopes: Available online or at select pharmacies; allow direct shipment to approved disposal facilities.
DisposeRx Packets: When mixed with water and medications, these packets form a disposable gel that can be placed in household trash. These can be requested at most pharmacies.
Household Items (If No Other Option): Mix medications with used coffee grounds or cat litter, seal the mixture in a sturdy container, and place it in household trash.
Proper disposal helps protect your family, pets, and the environment. Contact your veterinary team with any questions.
Denise Colbrook is a fourth-year pharmacy student at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
References
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Drug disposal: FDA’s flush list for certain medicines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 31, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposalunused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Drug disposal: Drug take-back options. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 31, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposaldrug-take-back-options.
- Medication disposal packets. DisposeRx, Inc. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://disposerx.com/drug-disposal-packets-education-and-partnerships/drug-disposal-packets/.
- What To Do with Unwanted Household Medicines. EPA. September 18, 2025. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/household-medication-disposal/what-do-unwanted-household-medicines.
