How to Safely Dispose of Expired EpiPens, Inhalers, and Patches

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Expired EpiPens, inhalers, and medicated patches aren’t just old medicine-they’re potential hazards. An unused EpiPen still contains a powerful dose of epinephrine. A half-used inhaler still holds pressurized gas and active drug. A used patch can still leak medication through its sticky surface. If tossed in the trash, these items can end up in the hands of children, pets, or sanitation workers. The FDA reports that 12% of accidental poisonings in kids involve improperly discarded medications. And when these items go into landfills or flushes, chemicals can leach into water systems. The EPA found pharmaceuticals in 80% of tested waterways. Proper disposal isn’t just about rules-it’s about safety.

How to Dispose of Expired EpiPens

EpiPens are not regular trash. They have a built-in needle, which makes them medical sharps. That means they need special handling. The safest way is to take them back to your doctor’s office or pharmacy when you pick up a new one. Most allergists and clinics have sharps bins just for this. If you’re unsure, call ahead-many will take them even if you didn’t get the prescription there.

If you can’t get to a medical site, look for a DEA-authorized drug take-back location. These are often at police stations, hospitals, or participating pharmacies. Use the DEA’s Take Back Day locator to find the nearest drop-off point. You can also check safeneedledisposal.org for state-specific options.

Never try to remove the needle or break open the device. That’s dangerous and illegal in many places. If you must store it at home before disposal, put it in a rigid, puncture-proof container-a plastic laundry detergent bottle works. Label it clearly: “SHARPS,” “BIOHAZARD,” and “DO NOT RECYCLE.” Keep it out of reach of kids and pets.

State rules vary. In California, you must use a certified sharps collection program or mail-back service. In Texas, you can throw it in the trash if it’s properly contained and labeled. Always check your state’s health department website for local rules.

What to Do with Old Inhalers

Inhalers are tricky because they’re pressurized. Throwing one in the trash or recycling bin can cause it to explode if crushed or exposed to heat. Burning it releases greenhouse gases from the propellant. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says around 300 million inhalers are thrown away each year in the U.S.-and most end up in landfills.

The best option? Return it to a pharmacy that accepts inhalers. Walgreens and CVS have pilot programs in some states, but availability is spotty. Only about 47% of Walgreens locations take them, according to a 2022 survey. Call your local store before you go.

If your pharmacy doesn’t accept them, contact your city’s household hazardous waste program. Big cities like New York, Chicago, and Seattle have special drop-off sites for aerosols. Some counties even offer mail-back kits. Check your local government’s waste management site for details.

Never puncture, burn, or throw an inhaler into a fire. Even if it feels empty, there’s still pressure inside. If you’re stuck, remove the metal canister from the plastic mouthpiece. The plastic part can go in recycling (if your program accepts #1 or #2 plastic). The metal canister? Take it to a hazardous waste site. Don’t recycle it with cans or bottles.

Disposing of Medicated Patches

Patches are among the most dangerous if not disposed of correctly. Fentanyl, nicotine, and other strong drugs can still be absorbed through skin-even after use. The FDA has a specific “flush list” of medications that should be flushed down the toilet immediately to prevent accidental exposure. Fentanyl patches are on that list. So are certain opioids.

If your patch is on the flush list, fold it in half with the sticky sides together, then flush it. That’s the safest way to stop someone else from getting exposed. Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends this for all high-risk patches.

If your patch isn’t on the flush list, fold it in half (sticky sides together) and put it in a sealed container. Mix it with coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt to make it unappealing. Then throw it in the trash. Don’t just toss it in the open bin. Kids and pets might dig through it.

There’s a product called DisposeRx® that turns pills and liquids into a gel when mixed with water. But CVS says it doesn’t work well with patches-the adhesive doesn’t break down properly. So stick with folding and flushing (if approved) or folding and trashing with a bad-smelling mix.

Use Drug Take-Back Days

Every April and October, the DEA runs National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Over 5,800 locations across the country-police stations, fire departments, hospitals-accept all kinds of expired or unwanted medications, including EpiPens, inhalers, and patches. In October 2022, they collected nearly a million pounds of drugs.

You don’t need a receipt or ID. You can drop off anything: full bottles, empty containers, patches, even syringes (if properly contained). It’s free and anonymous. If you miss the event, many locations keep drop boxes year-round. Check the DEA website for permanent collection sites near you.

These events are growing. In 2010, they collected 121 tons of drugs. In 2022, it was 493 tons. More people are learning how to do this right.

What Not to Do

Here are the most common mistakes:

• Don’t flush everything. Only flush what’s on the FDA’s official flush list. Most medications should not go down the toilet.
• Don’t recycle EpiPens or inhalers. Even if they look like plastic, they’re not. They contain chemicals and pressurized parts.
• Don’t throw loose needles or patches in the trash. Always contain them. A loose needle can poke someone.
• Don’t rely on pharmacies unless you confirm. Many only take pills. Always call first.
• Don’t wait until you have a full box. Dispose of expired items as soon as you notice they’re past the date. Don’t let them sit in a drawer.

How to Stay Prepared

Check your medicine cabinet every month. Set a reminder on your phone: “Check EpiPen and inhaler dates.” Most EpiPens expire after 12-18 months. Inhalers often last 1 year after opening. Patches vary by brand.

Keep a small sharps container in your bag or car if you carry an EpiPen. Some pharmacies sell them for $5-$15. When it’s full, drop it off at a take-back site. You can also order mail-back kits online-some states offer them for free.

If you’re unsure where to go, call 211. It’s a free national helpline that connects people to local health and safety services. They can tell you about drop-off locations, mail-back programs, or even mobile collection events in your area.

What’s Changing

More states are making disposal easier. California passed a law in 2024 requiring drug makers to pay for disposal programs. That means more drop boxes at pharmacies, more mail-back kits, and better labeling on packaging. Mylan, the maker of EpiPens, started putting QR codes on their devices that link directly to disposal instructions.

The EPA is also working on new rules to cut pharmaceutical pollution in waterways. In the next few years, you’ll see more clear instructions on boxes and more accessible take-back options-especially in rural areas where access has been limited.

For now, the best thing you can do is act now. Don’t wait for the system to get better. Use the tools that exist today: take-back programs, sealed containers, and flush-only items when the FDA says so. Your family, your community, and the environment will thank you.