Medication Return

Throwing unused medication in the trash or flushing down the toilet is harmful to the environment. Medications that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting our waters, adversely affecting fish and aquatic wildlife, and contaminating our water supply. Most medications are not removed by the wastewater treatment plant process.
Graphic promoting the safe return of unused medications to your local pharmacy

Do NOT flush, trash, or store unwanted, unused, or expired medications.

Protect Our Water

Medications flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain can end up polluting our waters, adversely affecting fish and aquatic wildlife. Medicine tossed in the trash ends up in the landfill where it mixes with liquids that are sent to the Wastewater Treatment Plant; however, most medications are not removed by the wastewater treatment process.

Prevent Accidental Poisonings

Clean out medicine cabinets to reduce the risk of medication falling into the wrong hands.

Return Unused Medications

Expired, unused and unwanted medications can be dropped off for free, year-round at participating pharmacies. Look for the the ENVIRx drug disposal program at your local pharmacy.

How to return your medicines  

  • Leave liquid and powder medicines in their original containers.
  • When returning needles they must be in a SHARPS container and not mixed with any other medications.
  • Remove capsules or tablets from vials or blister packaging and place in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Take medicine to pharmacy counter.
  • For privacy, remove any identifying labels or information.

Accepted Items

  • Prescriptions
  • Over the counter medications
  • Medicated ointments/lotions
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Inhalers
  • EpiPens

Participating pharmacies in Red Deer are listed on the Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA) website.

You can help to protect the environment by reducing pollution that enters our water ways. To learn more about keeping our water resources safe and protecting our environment, visit www.reddeer.ca/emp. 

Vet Medication ReturnReturn Unused Pet Medications

Expired, unused and unwanted pet medications can be dropped off for free, year-round at participating veterinary hospitals.

How to return your pet medicines  

  • Leave all medicines in their original containers. Do not mix different medications together.
  • When returning needles and syringes they must be in a bio hazardous container and not mixed with any other medications.
  • Take medicine to veterinary hospital.
  • For privacy, remove any identifying labels or information.

Accepted Items

  • Prescriptions (e.g. antibiotics, insulin, heart medication, allergy pills)
  • Supplements (e.g. kidney, liver, and joints)

More Information

In partnership with Alberta Pharmacists Association Logo