Store Medicines Securely

This information explains why safe disposal matters and how to dispose of prescription medicines in Springfield.

Getting rid of expired or unused prescription medicines helps protect your health, your loved ones, and the community - including the environment.

Flushing medicines down the toilet or pouring them down the drain can pollute our water supply. This can harm fish and other wildlife in rivers and streams. Over time, these chemicals can even reach our drinking water.

Keeping unused medicines at home can also be risky. Children or pets may accidentally swallow them, which can lead to serious illness. The safest choice is to dispose of medicines as soon as they expire or are no longer needed.

Every year, children and pets are harmed after taking prescription medicines that were not meant for them.

Storing medicines securely helps prevent accidents, protects visitors to your home, and reduces the risk of misuse.

Where to Store Medicines Safely

Store medicines in a place that is:

• Out of reach of children and pets
• Out of sight of visitors
• Locked whenever possible

Avoid storing medicines in places that are easy to access, such as:

• Medicine cabinets
• Nightstands
• Drawers
• Countertops and tables
• Purses and bags
• Coat pockets

Extra Care for Certain Medicines

Medicines used for sleep, anxiety, and pain need extra care.

These medicines can be harmful if taken by someone they were not meant for.

For people in recovery from a substance use problem, seeing these medicines can bring up strong cravings or memories of past use.

Keeping these medicines locked up and out of sight helps:

• Support recovery
• Prevent misuse
• Keep everyone in your home safer

Need Help or More Information?

You can get:

• More information about safe storage
• A free storage bag that locks and a medicine mail-back envelope
• Other Protect What Matters campaign materials

Email SPFRx@edc.org or call 617-618-2148.