Proper disposal of unused or expired medications and drugs—whether prescription or over-the-counter—helps prevent poisoning and misuse. Learn how to dispose of these items safely.
What items can be disposed of at drop-off kiosks?
Only medications from individuals can be accepted. Inventory from pharmacies or healthcare facilities is not accepted. Disposal bins are secured to the floor and double locked.
Accepted items
- Pills, tablets, capsules
- Blister packs
- Creams, ointments, lotions
- Inhalers, nebulizer
- Liquid medicine (no more than four ounces)
- Powders
Items that are not accepted
- Needles, syringes
- Vitamins, supplements
- Thermometers
- Home-based care equipment
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Trash
- Aerosol spray cans
- Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- No schedule I/illegal drugs
Drop-off kiosk locations
Travis County Constable Precinct 5
1003 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78701
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (short-term parking is available in the parking lot)
Alternative disposal methods
If you cannot conveniently reach the disposal kiosk listed above, consider these safe disposal alternatives.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors drug take-back days twice a year (Fall & Spring). Visit the DEA's website to find the next scheduled event.
Disposal site locator
Please note that guidelines for these disposal options may be different than the City of Austin kiosk above.
- Drug Enforcement Administration Public Disposal Locations for Controlled Substances
- AWARXE – Find a safe drug disposal site near you
- The Walgreens Safe Medication Disposal Program lists select Walgreens locations that have kiosks, as well as guidelines for use.
Mail-back
At some pharmacies, customers can purchase pre-paid mailers for unwanted medicines. After purchasing the mailer, place your medications in the pre-addressed mailer and send it to an an environmental returns program that properly disposes of the medicines. Ask your local pharmacy for availability of these mailers.
Home disposal (if drop-off or mail-back is not practical)
- Follow directions on the label or ask your pharmacist.
- Otherwise, empty drug containers into a sealable bag or a disposable container with a lid.
- Mix the drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or cat litter.
- Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers.
- Place empty drug containers in the blue recycling cart
- Place the sealed container with the drug mixture in the trash cart.