Disposing of medicines correctly

This is how safe disposal is done

Correct disposal is an important issue for the environment, health and safety. If medicines are disposed of incorrectly, active ingredients can get into groundwater, endanger animals or lead to poisoning in children. Therefore, the rule is: never dispose of medicines via the toilet, sink or organic waste.

Depending on the federal state or municipality, there are different collection systems. In some cities, returns can be made at pharmacies, while in others they are accepted at waste disposal sites, recycling centres, or hazardous waste collection points. Anyone who wants to dispose of waste correctly should therefore always observe the local regulations.

Why correct disposal is important

Unused medicines often contain active ingredients that remain active even after their expiry date. If these substances enter the environment, they can contaminate water bodies and affect water quality.

Risks of incorrect medication disposal

• Active ingredients enter wastewater
• Danger to children and pets
• Load on waste incineration plants
• Misuse by third parties possible

Liquid medicines or highly potent preparations require special attention. Therefore, official bodies in Austria recommend collecting medicines separately and disposing of them professionally.

Disposing of medication: These rules apply in Austria

Anyone wishing to dispose of medication should adhere to some basic rules. These apply nationwide in Austria, even if the specific collection methods are organised differently by region.

Disposing of tablets and capsules correctly

Tablets and capsules should preferably be collected in their blister packs. Cardboard packaging and patient information leaflets should be disposed of separately with waste paper.

Crucially:

• Keep blisters collected
• Dispose of no loose tablets
• Dispose of glass containers separately
• Store medicines safely away from children

Liquid medicines

Liquid medicines should never be poured down the drain. If your local authority or pharmacy allows returns, they must be handed in tightly sealed, in their original packaging and undamaged.

These mistakes you should avoid

Many people dispose of medication incorrectly, often through a lack of knowledge. Even small mistakes can have negative consequences.

Never dispose of medication here.

Not permitted are:

• Toilet
• Basin or sink
• Organic waste
• loose in the residual waste
• Open fluids

Passing on old medicines to other people is also not a good idea. Medicines should only be used on medical or pharmaceutical recommendation.

Don't forget data protection

If personal data such as name, address, and/or dosage information is present on packaging, it should be rendered unreadable or removed before disposal.

Special cases in medicine disposal

Some medicines require additional care. These include injections, needles, patches, or highly potent medications.

Syringes and needles

Syringes and needles must never be put loose in the rubbish. Always use puncture-proof containers and securely sealed packaging. This will avoid injuries.

Plasters and strong medication

Transdermal patches often still contain active ingredients after use. For this reason, they should be folded with the adhesive side inwards, securely packaged and disposed of properly. For cytostatics or other highly potent preparations, the following applies: always ask your pharmacy or collection point and do not dispose of them in an improvised manner.

Dispose of veterinary medicines correctly

Veterinary medicines must not be disposed of via the sewage system either. The same basic rules apply to them as to human medicines.