Proper disposal of medications highlighted in new video and wall poster

The Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) has developed two new resources to assist pharmacists in educating patients about proper disposal of unwanted medications.1,2 These new resources follow the results of an August 2022 HPSA survey, which showed that more than half of Canadian parents dispose of medications improperly.3 The poster outlines a three-step process for proper disposal of medications (prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, natural health products, including prescribed cannabis):1 Step 1—Identify unwanted medications by checking the expiry dates and consulting with your doctor. Always ensure your medications are stored in a locked area. Step 2—Transfer medications such as tablets into a clear bag but keep liquids and creams in their original containers while removing your personal information. Do not mix sharps and medications. Step 3—Find a local participating pharmacy on the Drop-Off Location Map. The video describes and reinforces these three steps. It also stresses not to flush medications, pour them down the sink or throw them in the garbage.2 The HPSA operates free take back programs for the safe disposal of unwanted medications and used sharps in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. The Association also helps pharmacies with implementation of these programs and education of consumers on how to practice safe disposal.4 HPSA has 6,110 participating pharmacies. To date, HPSA initiatives have reduced the negative impact of unwanted medications and used medical sharps on the environment and communities, by collecting 4,221,608 kg of medications and 2,671,177 kg of medical sharps.4 References 1. Health Products Stewardship Association. How consumers can return unwanted medications (print-ready poster). (accessed November 3, 2022). 2. Health Products Stewardship Association. A guide to safely disposing of unwanted medications (video). Available at (accessed November 3, 2022). 3. Health Products Stewardship Association. Majority of household medications are left dangerously accessible to children and youth. August 8, 2022. (accessed November 3, 2022). 4. Health Products Stewardship Association. Who is HPSA. Our impact. (accessed November 3, 2022)

Proper disposal of medications highlighted in new video and wall poster

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