Disposing of Unwanted Medicines at Health First Pharmacy
Proper disposal of unwanted or expired medicines is vital. It’s estimated that over 500 tonnes of medicines are irresponsibly discarded into waterways and landfills each year in Australia.
Why is Proper Disposal Important?
Medicines can degrade over time, leading to changes in their chemical composition. These changes can render medicines less effective or even harmful and toxic if used past their expiry date.
Despite this, many individuals keep old and unwanted medicines at home, often due to a reluctance to waste.
The Risks of Improper Disposal
Discarding old or unwanted medicines should be approached with caution. Many people dispose of old medicines in potentially harmful ways, such as throwing them in the garbage or flushing them down the sink or toilet.
Research shows that medicines discarded in landfills can seep back into the food chain through water or fertilizers made from landfill, posing environmental and health risks.
The Safe Way to Dispose of Unwanted Medicines
The safest method for disposing of unwanted medicines is through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) scheme. Health First Pharmacy, along with other participating community pharmacies, provide special bins for consumers to dispose of their unwanted medicines.
Benefits of the RUM Scheme
The RUM Project offers the safest, easiest, and most environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted and expired medicines. It allows all household medicines to be returned to any pharmacy free of charge, ensuring their safe collection and disposal.
How to Participate
Make a habit of checking the labels and expiry dates on your medicines. If they’re expired or no longer needed, bring them to Health First Pharmacy, where we will place them in a secure bin for collection and safe disposal.