Every year, millions of Australians throw away expired EpiPens, inhalers, and medicated patches the wrong way-tossing them in the trash, flushing them down the toilet, or leaving them in medicine cabinets. That’s not just careless. It’s dangerous. Expired epinephrine auto-injectors have needles. Inhalers are pressurized cans that can explode in trash compactors. Patches still hold enough medicine to kill a child if they touch the sticky side. And none of these belong in your regular recycling bin.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
You wouldn’t leave a loaded gun on the kitchen counter. So why leave an expired EpiPen in a drawer where your toddler can find it? The FDA reports that 12% of accidental poisonings in children under five involve discarded medications. That’s not a rare accident. It’s predictable-and preventable. EpiPens contain epinephrine, a powerful drug that can save a life during anaphylaxis. But if someone else gets hold of it-especially a child or pet-it can cause a dangerous spike in heart rate, high blood pressure, or even a stroke. Inhalers use propellants like hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs), which are potent greenhouse gases. When crushed in landfills or incinerated, they release chemicals that contribute to climate change. Patches, especially fentanyl or nicotine ones, can leak medication through the adhesive even after they’re used. A single patch can contain enough drug to be lethal if ingested or absorbed through skin. The good news? You don’t need to guess how to get rid of them. There are safe, legal, and easy ways to dispose of each type. Here’s exactly what to do.How to Dispose of Expired EpiPens
EpiPens are not regular trash. They’re medical sharps-just like used needles. That means they need to be handled like sharp objects that could puncture skin and spread infection or drug exposure. Step 1: Don’t try to take it apart. No matter how tempting, don’t remove the needle, pry open the casing, or try to drain the liquid. The device is designed to be used as-is, and tampering can cause accidental injection or spillage. Step 2: Put it in a sharps container. If you have a dedicated sharps container (often provided by your pharmacy or doctor), place the EpiPen inside. If you don’t, use a heavy-duty plastic bottle-like an empty laundry detergent bottle or a coffee can. Make sure it’s puncture-proof and has a tight-fitting lid. Label it clearly: SHARPS, BIOHAZARD, DO NOT RECYCLE. Step 3: Take it to a drop-off point. Your best bet is to return it to the clinic or pharmacy where you got your new prescription. Most allergists, hospitals, and pharmacies with a sharps program will take expired EpiPens for free. In Australia, many community pharmacies participate in the Safe Disposal of Medicines Program. You can find your nearest drop-off location at safemedicinesdisposal.org.au. What if you can’t find a drop-off? In some states, like New South Wales, you can put sealed sharps containers in your general household trash-but only if they’re properly labeled and secured. Never put an EpiPen loose in the bin. Check with your local council for rules in your area.How to Dispose of Inhalers
Inhalers are tricky because they’re a mix of plastic, metal, and pressurized gas. You can’t just toss them in the recycling bin. Even empty ones can explode if crushed or heated. Step 1: Check the label. Look for disposal instructions on the box or patient information leaflet. Some brands, like Ventolin or Seretide, now include disposal guidance. Step 2: Use a take-back program. The safest way is to return inhalers to a pharmacy that accepts them. Many Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, and independent pharmacies in Australia have take-back bins for used inhalers. Ask at the counter-most staff know about this program now. Step 3: If no take-back is available, dispose of carefully. Remove the metal canister from the plastic mouthpiece. The plastic part can go in your recycling bin (check your local rules-some councils accept it). The metal canister? Don’t puncture it. Don’t throw it in the fire. Instead, put it in a sealed plastic bag and place it in your general waste bin. Some councils, like Sydney City Council, offer special Household Chemical CleanOut events twice a year where you can drop off inhalers for safe disposal. Pro tip: Don’t wait until it’s expired. Keep track of your inhaler’s expiration date. Most last 12-24 months after opening. Write the opening date on the label with a marker. That way, you know when to replace it-and when to return it.
How to Dispose of Medicated Patches
Patches are the most dangerous to throw away carelessly. Even after use, they can still contain 50-80% of their original dose. Fentanyl patches, for example, are strong enough to kill an adult who isn’t opioid-tolerant. Step 1: Fold it properly. As soon as you remove the patch, fold it in half with the sticky side inward. This traps the medication inside. For high-risk patches like fentanyl, the FDA and Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration recommend flushing it down the toilet immediately after removal. Yes, flushing is allowed for these specific patches because the risk of accidental exposure outweighs environmental concerns. Step 2: For non-flushable patches (like nicotine or lidocaine). If the patch doesn’t say to flush it, fold it in half, stick it to a piece of used tissue or paper, and put it in a sealed plastic bag. Then, place it in your household trash. Never leave a folded patch sitting on the counter or in a drawer. Step 3: Use a take-back bin if possible. Many pharmacies and community health centers now have medication return boxes. You can drop off used or expired patches there-even if they’re folded. This is the most environmentally responsible option.What NOT to Do
Here are the most common mistakes people make-and why they’re dangerous:- Don’t throw EpiPens in the trash loose. A sanitation worker could get stuck. A child could play with it.
- Don’t flush all patches. Only flush fentanyl or other drugs specifically listed on the FDA or TGA flush list. Flushing others harms waterways.
- Don’t put inhalers in recycling. Even if they’re empty, the pressurized gas can cause explosions in recycling trucks.
- Don’t burn them. Burning medications releases toxic fumes.
- Don’t leave them in old medicine cabinets. Expired meds lose effectiveness-and become a hazard.
What About Take-Back Days?
Australia doesn’t have a national drug take-back day like the U.S., but many states run local events. Check with your local council or pharmacy for Medicine Disposal Days. These are often held during National Medicines Awareness Week (first week of October) or World Environment Day (June 5). You can also ask your GP or pharmacist if they participate in the Safe Disposal of Medicines Program. Over 2,000 pharmacies across Australia are part of this program, and they’ll take back unused or expired medications-including patches, inhalers, and auto-injectors-at no cost.
How to Stay Prepared
Prevention is easier than cleanup. Here’s how to avoid disposal chaos:- Check expiration dates every month. Put a reminder on your phone.
- Keep a small, labeled sharps container in your medicine cabinet for EpiPens.
- When you get a new prescription, ask the pharmacist: “Where do I return the old one?”
- Don’t stockpile. Only keep one or two EpiPens on hand. If you’re not using them, you don’t need them.
- Teach your family how to dispose of them. Kids and caregivers need to know too.
What’s Changing?
New rules are coming. In 2024, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration began requiring all prescription medication packaging to include clear disposal instructions. Manufacturers like Mylan (maker of EpiPen) are now adding QR codes to packaging that link directly to disposal guides. Pharmacies are also starting to offer free disposal kits-some even include pre-paid return envelopes. It’s not perfect yet. Rural areas still struggle with access. But awareness is growing. More people are asking, “Where do I take this?” And that’s the first step to safety.Can I throw expired EpiPens in the regular trash?
Only if they’re placed in a sealed, puncture-proof container labeled as SHARPS or BIOHAZARD. Never put them loose in the bin. Most states require you to take them to a pharmacy, hospital, or sharps collection point. Check your local council’s guidelines.
Is it safe to flush medication patches?
Only for specific high-risk patches like fentanyl, as recommended by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. For other patches-like nicotine or lidocaine-fold them in half with the sticky sides together and dispose of them in your household trash. Flushing non-listed patches can contaminate water supplies.
Do pharmacies accept expired inhalers?
Yes, many do. Pharmacies participating in the Safe Disposal of Medicines Program will take back used or expired inhalers. Call ahead to confirm-some only accept them during certain hours. Chemist Warehouse and Priceline are among the most reliable chains.
What should I do with an empty inhaler canister?
Remove the plastic mouthpiece and recycle it if your local council accepts #1 or #2 plastics. The metal canister should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and thrown in your general waste bin. Never puncture it or put it in recycling-pressurized cans can explode.
Are there free disposal kits available?
Yes. Some pharmacies and community health centers now offer free sharps containers and prepaid return envelopes for EpiPens and patches. Ask your pharmacist or check the Safe Disposal of Medicines Program website for participating locations.
What happens if I don’t dispose of these items properly?
Improper disposal can lead to accidental poisonings in children or pets, injuries to waste workers, and environmental contamination. Medications in waterways harm fish and wildlife. In 2023, over 1,200 cases of accidental exposure to discarded medications were reported in Australia alone. Safe disposal protects your family and your community.