Safe Medication Disposal: What to Do With Expired or Unused Drugs
That drawer of half-finished prescriptions and expired bottles? Don't flush them and don't toss them in the garbage. Your Kanata pharmacy takes them back for free, safe disposal — the way medications should be handled.
Why safe disposal matters
Old medications are easy to ignore, but getting rid of them the wrong way causes real problems:
- Flushing them sends drugs into the water system.
- Throwing them in the trash risks them ending up where kids, pets or others can find them.
- Keeping them around increases the chance of accidental use or misuse.
Bringing them to a pharmacy solves all three. It's the safe, responsible, and free option.
How medication take-back works
- Gather it all up. Expired prescriptions, unused medications, even old over-the-counter products.
- Bring it to 329 March Road. Hand it to a team member at the dispensary — no appointment, no charge.
- We dispose of it properly. Medications are handled through approved take-back channels so nothing ends up in the wrong place.
What you can bring
- Expired or unused prescription medications
- Over-the-counter products you no longer need
- Vitamins and supplements
A small habit that helps the whole community
Next time you pick up a prescription or stop in for a flu shot, bring that drawer of old bottles with you. It keeps your home safer and your medications out of Ottawa's landfills and waterways — one small trip to your community pharmacy in Kanata takes care of it. Questions? Call (613) 435-2111.
Questions? We always pick up.
Call our Kanata pharmacy at (613) 435-2111, or drop by 329 March Road — open 7 days a week, with free prescription delivery across Ottawa.
Frequently asked questions
Is medication disposal free?
Yes — medication take-back and safe disposal is a free service at our Kanata pharmacy. Just bring your old medications to the dispensary.
Can I bring over-the-counter products and vitamins too?
Yes. Expired or unused prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements can all be brought in for safe disposal.
Should I remove the labels first?
You can scratch out personal information if you'd like, but it's not required — just bring everything in and we'll handle it.
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