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

Expired EpiPens, inhalers, and medicated patches aren’t just old medicine-they’re potential hazards. If you toss them in the trash without care, you could be putting kids, pets, sanitation workers, or the environment at risk. The FDA reports that 12% of accidental poisonings in children involve improperly discarded medications. That’s not a small number. It’s a warning. These devices contain powerful drugs that don’t just disappear when they expire. They need proper handling.

Why You Can’t Just Throw Them Away

EpiPens have needles. Inhalers are pressurized cans. Patches stick to your skin and still hold medicine. If you throw them in the regular trash, someone might find them. A child might play with an EpiPen like a toy. A pet might chew on a patch. A sanitation worker might get stuck by a needle. Even worse, these items can leak into soil and water. The USGS found pharmaceuticals in 80% of tested waterways. That’s not science fiction-it’s real contamination from things we throw out without thinking.

How to Dispose of Expired EpiPens

An EpiPen is not just a plastic device. It’s a medical sharp with a needle inside. That means it must be treated like a syringe or lancet. The FDA and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology both say: do not dismantle it. Don’t try to remove the needle. Don’t crush it. Don’t flush it. That’s dangerous and illegal in many places.

The best way to get rid of an expired or used EpiPen is to return it to your doctor’s office or pharmacy when you pick up your new one. Most allergists and clinics have sharps disposal bins just for this. If your provider doesn’t offer it, ask them to help you find a nearby drop-off site. You can search for DEA-authorized collectors using the DEA National Take Back Initiative website. There are over 14,000 locations across the U.S.

If you can’t get to a drop-off right away, store it safely at home. Put the EpiPen in a hard plastic container-like an empty laundry detergent bottle-with a tight lid. Label it clearly: BIOHAZARD, SHARPS, and DO NOT RECYCLE. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Never put loose EpiPens in a recycling bin. Even empty ones need special handling.

State rules vary. In California, you must use a certified sharps collection center or mail-back program. In Texas, you can throw it in the trash if it’s in a sealed, labeled container. Always check your state’s rules before tossing anything.

What to Do with Expired Inhalers

Inhalers are tricky. They’re small, but they contain propellants that can explode if crushed or burned. That’s why you should never put them in the recycling bin or trash without checking first. About 300 million inhalers are thrown away every year in the U.S. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, releasing greenhouse gases.

The safest option is to take them to a pharmacy that accepts inhalers. Walgreens and CVS have pilot programs in some states, but not all locations participate. A 2022 survey found only 47% of Walgreens stores took them. Call ahead before you go. Some cities, like New York City, have special Household Special Waste Drop-Off Sites for aerosols. Check your local government’s waste management site for details.

If no drop-off is available, remove the metal canister from the plastic mouthpiece. The plastic part can go in the recycling if your local program accepts #5 plastic. The metal canister? Do not puncture it. Store it separately in a sealed container and contact your local hazardous waste facility. They may accept it during special collection days.

How to Dispose of Medicated Patches

Patches are the most dangerous if thrown away carelessly. Even after you peel them off, they still contain up to 80% of the original drug. Fentanyl patches, for example, can kill a child if they lick or chew one. That’s why the FDA has a flush list-medications you should flush down the toilet immediately.

Fentanyl, buprenorphine, and some other strong patches are on that list. If your patch is on it, flush it right away. No waiting. No folding. Just flush. The FDA says this is the only way to prevent accidental exposure.

If your patch isn’t on the flush list, fold it in half with the sticky sides together. This traps the medicine inside. Then put it in a sealed container with something unappetizing-like coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt. Label the container and toss it in the trash. Never leave patches on the counter or in the bathroom where a child might find them.

There’s also DisposeRx®-a powder you mix with water to turn pills and liquids into a gel. But it doesn’t work for patches. The adhesive doesn’t dissolve, and the medicine stays exposed. So skip it for patches.

Use Take-Back Programs When You Can

The DEA runs two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days every year-in April and October. In October 2022, they collected nearly a million pounds of unused meds. That’s a lot of safety. These events are held at police stations, pharmacies, and hospitals. No questions asked. No ID needed. Just bring your expired meds.

If you can’t wait for the next event, look for permanent drop-off boxes. Many pharmacies, hospitals, and fire stations have them. Some states require pharmacies to accept medications. In California, manufacturers must now fund disposal programs under SB 212, which started in January 2024. That means more options are coming.

What Not to Do

Don’t flush non-listed medications unless told to. Don’t pour pills down the sink. Don’t burn inhalers. Don’t throw EpiPens loose in the trash. Don’t assume your local recycling center takes them. And don’t wait until you’re out of space to deal with them. Keep a dedicated container for expired meds and check it monthly.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Waste

The best way to avoid disposal problems is to prevent excess. Don’t stockpile EpiPens. Only get what you need. Check expiration dates every month. Set a phone reminder. If you’re prescribed a new patch or inhaler, ask your pharmacist: “What do I do with the old one?” Most will tell you where to drop it off.

Some pharmacies sell sharps containers for $5-$15. They’re worth it. They’re designed to be safe, leak-proof, and labeled correctly. Use one. It’s cheaper than a hospital visit from a needle stick.

What’s Changing in 2025

The EPA is tightening rules on pharmaceutical waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. More states are following California’s lead, requiring drug makers to pay for disposal programs. Expect to see QR codes on packaging soon-scan one and get disposal instructions right on your phone. Mylan, the maker of EpiPens, started testing this in late 2023.

The goal? Make disposal as easy as buying the medicine. Right now, it’s not. A 2023 Consumer Reports survey found 73% of people didn’t know their state’s rules. That’s changing. But until then, you have to take the lead.