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After the expiry date medicines may not be safe or as effective. You should not take medicines after their expiry date. If you've had a medicine for a while, check the expiry date before using it. You should also make sure that you've stored the medicine properly, as described on the packaging or leaflet.

It is estimated that 3% to 7% of medications intended for patients goes unused in the United States and that similar wastage could cost Canada approximately $8 billion annually.

Incineration is the only method currently accepted by the DEA to render a drug non-retrievable. Sewering (pouring down the drain) and landfill disposal (mixing with kitty litter, coffee grounds, etc.) does not meet the DEA's non-retrievable standards.

The safest choice is to bring unused medications to a local pharmacy for disposal. Most pharmacies will accept unused or expired medications at any time and free of charge. Some have secure drop-off containers. If your pharmacy cannot help, you can search an online list of drug disposal locations by zip code.

In terms of prescription medications, medication waste is defined as any medication that remains unused or expires anywhere along the medicine supply chain (West et al., 2015). Medication waste can occur at the prescriber, pharmacist and patient levels.

Most chemist shops will take back fully unused strips and unopened bottles if returned before expiry. Some will even take back partially used strips. They will either refund your money or ask you to buy something else of equivalent value.

All medicines, including controlled drugs, must be promptly returned to a community pharmacy. Pharmacies are contractually obliged to dispose of medicines waste for these services. The service does not require a T28 waste exemption as the pharmacy will denature the controlled drugs.