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

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Expired EpiPens, inhalers, and medicated patches aren’t just old plastic and metal-they contain powerful drugs that can hurt people, pets, and the environment if thrown in the trash. An EpiPen filled with epinephrine can cause a dangerous reaction if a child finds it and presses it accidentally. An inhaler can explode if crushed or tossed into a dumpster fire. A fentanyl patch still sticky with medicine can kill someone who puts it on their skin. The FDA says 12% of accidental poisonings in kids come from improperly thrown-away meds. That’s not a small risk. It’s a preventable one.

How to Dispose of Expired EpiPens

EpiPens are not regular trash. They’re classified as medical sharps because they have a hidden needle that can puncture skin. Even if you’ve used one, or it’s expired, the needle is still there. You can’t just toss it in a grocery bag. The safest way is to take it back to your doctor’s office or pharmacy when you pick up your new prescription. Most allergists and clinics have sharps bins just for this.

If your provider doesn’t take them, look for a DEA-authorized drug take-back location. You can find one near you using the DEA’s National Take Back Initiative website. These sites are often at police stations, hospitals, or pharmacies that participate in the program. They’ll take your expired EpiPen without asking questions.

At home, before you can get it to a drop-off point, store it safely. Put the EpiPen in a hard plastic container-like an empty laundry detergent bottle-with a tight lid. Label it clearly: "SHARPS," "BIOHAZARD," and "DO NOT RECYCLE." Don’t use glass jars or thin plastic containers. They can break or get punctured. California requires you to use a mail-back program or drop it off at a certified sharps center. In Texas, you can throw it in the trash if it’s in a sealed, labeled container. But even there, take-back is still the best option.

What to Do with Expired Inhalers

Inhalers are pressurized cans. That means they’re under pressure, even when empty. If you throw one in the recycling bin or trash, it can explode in a compactor truck or incinerator. Some older inhalers still use greenhouse gas propellants that harm the ozone layer. The EPA estimates over 300 million inhalers are tossed each year in the U.S. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, adding to pollution.

First, check the label. Some inhalers say "Do not puncture or incinerate." That’s your clue. Next, call your local waste management department. Some cities, like New York City, have special drop-off sites for aerosols. Walgreens and CVS accept inhalers at select locations, but only about half of their stores do. Don’t assume your local pharmacy takes them-call ahead.

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? Poke a hole in it with a screwdriver to release the pressure, then throw it in the trash. Never burn it. Never crush it. And never put it in recycling without removing the canister first.

Disposing of Medicated Patches

Patches are tricky because they stick to your skin-and sometimes, they still stick to medicine. Fentanyl, nicotine, and pain patches can contain enough drug to be deadly if someone else finds them. The FDA has a special "flush list" of medications that should be flushed down the toilet immediately if you don’t have a take-back option. Fentanyl patches are on that list. So are certain opioids.

If your patch is on the flush list, fold it in half so the sticky sides stick together, then flush it. That’s the safest way to prevent accidental exposure. For patches not on the flush list, like nicotine or hormone patches, fold them in half with the sticky sides together. Then put them in a sealed container with something unappetizing-coffee grounds, cat litter, or used paper towels. Tape the container shut and throw it in the trash. Never leave a patch lying around, even if it’s "used."

There’s also DisposeRx®-a powder you mix with water in a small packet that turns meds into a gel. It’s sold at CVS and other pharmacies. But it doesn’t work well for patches because the adhesive doesn’t dissolve. Stick to folding and flushing for patches.

Use Take-Back Programs When You Can

The best solution for all three? Take-back programs. Twice a year, the DEA runs National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. In October 2022, they collected nearly a million pounds of unused meds across 5,800 locations. That’s not just pills-it includes EpiPens, inhalers, and patches. Law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and pharmacies host these events. You don’t need to be a patient there. You don’t need ID. Just bring your expired meds.

Even outside those days, many pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations have permanent drop boxes. The DEA’s website lists over 14,000 permanent collectors nationwide. But here’s the problem: only 37% of rural counties have them. Urban areas are better served. If you live in a small town, your best bet is to call your local pharmacy or doctor’s office and ask if they’ll hold onto your expired devices until you can get to a take-back site.

What Not to Do

Don’t flush patches unless they’re on the FDA’s flush list. Flushing other meds can pollute waterways. The USGS found pharmaceuticals in 80% of tested streams. Don’t put EpiPens in the recycling. They’re not plastic bottles-they’re medical devices with needles. Don’t try to dismantle them. Some people think they can remove the battery or needle. That’s dangerous. You could get stuck. The AAAAI says: never try to take apart an auto-injector.

Don’t assume your trash company will handle it. Most don’t. Don’t throw inhalers in the curbside bin. Don’t bury patches in your yard. Don’t give them to someone else. Even if they’re expired, the medicine can still be active. And never flush pills unless they’re on the flush list. For everything else, mix with coffee grounds and seal in a container.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Waste

The easiest way to avoid having expired meds is to check your supplies every month. Put a reminder on your phone: "Check EpiPen, inhaler, patch expiration dates." Most EpiPens last 12 to 18 months. Inhalers often expire after one year. Patches last 1 to 3 years. Keep a small box or drawer with your emergency meds. When one expires, replace it right away. Don’t wait until you’re out.

Some states are changing the rules. California passed a law in 2024 that requires drug makers to pay for disposal programs. That means in the future, you might get a free mail-back envelope with your new EpiPen. Until then, it’s up to you to find the right drop-off spot. Talk to your pharmacist. Ask your doctor. If they don’t know, ask again. More people asking means more places will start offering services.

What to Do If You Can’t Find a Drop-Off

If you’re stuck with no take-back options nearby, follow these steps:

1. EpiPen: Put it in a hard plastic container, label it "SHARPS," seal it, and store it safely until you can get to a hospital or pharmacy that accepts sharps.
2. Inhaler: Remove the metal canister, puncture it to release pressure, recycle the plastic, and trash the metal.
3. Patch: Fold sticky sides together. If it’s fentanyl-flush it. If not-seal in a container with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.

Keep a log of what you dispose of and where. That way, if someone asks you later-like a family member or a health inspector-you can show you did it right.