Have you ever wondered what happens to expired vitamins or other dietary supplements after you get rid of them? Did you know that improper disposal of these items can harm the environment and pose risks to others?
Vitamins and supplements lose potency over time, making them less effective and potentially harmful when consumed. Proper disposal is essential to prevent contaminated water systems and accidental ingestion by children or pets.
This article explores the safe, eco-friendly methods of disposing of expired vitamins, other supplements, and medications, offering practical solutions tailored to your needs.
Why proper disposal matters
Disposing of expired and unused vitamins and supplements is essential for numerous reasons.
Health risks of expired supplements
While many vitamins, other supplements, and medications may be safe after expiration, they often lose potency and the ability to be most effective for your health.
However, there are exceptions. Studies suggest that ingesting probiotics supplements post-expiration is not considered safe because of a lack of safety studies.
Research suggests that despite 90% of tested medications (prescription and over-the-counter) being found safe and effective after their expiration dates—up to 15 years after the date of expiration in some cases—they say more research (due to lack of expiration studies) is needed to determine if vitamin supplements are safe, and for how long after they expire.
Because of this unknown, potential dangers could include harmful chemical changes in expired supplements and reduced potency.
This may be especially dangerous for pets, wildlife, young children, pregnant women, and older adults—particularly those depending on a specific nutrient potency to optimize health and well-being.
Environmental impact
Improper disposal of vitamins and supplements may contribute to environmental contamination, such as leaching into water supplies, though further studies are needed to understand the full extent of the impact.
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Safe disposal methods
Consider safe disposal methods when getting rid of expired or unused multivitamins and similar supplements.
At-home disposal techniques
Follow the specific disposal instructions on labeling accompanying prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements.
Avoid flushing these products down the toilet or sink unless the label says it’s okay or they’re listed on the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) flush list.
The FDA provides the following safety instructions for discarding medications, vitamins, and other dietary supplements not on the FDA’s flush list:
- Remove medicines or supplements from their original containers.
- Scratch out any personal information on prescription labels.
- Mix the expired or unused products with coffee grounds, cat litter, dirt, or other unappealing substances.
- Place the mixture in a leak-proof sealed container.
- Discard the container in the trash that is out of the reach of pets or children.
It’s essential to store and discard medications and supplements in areas young children and pets cannot access, as ingesting expired or large amounts of these products can be dangerous for their health.
Take-back programs
According to the CDC, take-back programs are one of the most reliable methods for safely disposing of expired or unused medications and dietary supplements.
Scratch out any personal information on pill bottle labels or other forms of packaging. Then, take advantage of one of the following take-back programs available near you:
Drug take-back events
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts periodic drug take-back events in communities nationwide.
To learn more about these events and when and where they’re held, contact your local pharmacy, law enforcement agency, or waste management authority, or use the DEA website to find a drop-off location near you.
Take-back locations
Certain facilities are DEA-registered to collect expired and unused medications or dietary supplements. They securely and safely take and dispose of such substances.
Take-back programs may be at clinics, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, or retail facilities.
These drug take-back locations often provide on-site medicine kiosks or drop-off boxes for safely disposing of unwanted or expired medicines and supplements.
To find a location near you, use the online year-round drop-off location search tool or call the DEA Diversion Control Division (1-800-882-9539) for additional information.
Mail-back programs
Mail-back programs are a convenient way to dispose of expired or unused supplements and medications.
You can purchase mail-back envelopes at a low cost (sometimes free) at retail pharmacies or online websites. Fill the envelope with your medicine or supplement, seal it, and mail it via the United States Postal Service.
Recycling supplement packaging
Contact your local recycling company to determine if they recycle empty medication or supplement bottles. Some don’t accept #5 plastic products or small-sized bottles commonly used as prescription medication containers.
Contact the Recycle Nation website to find a recycling program close to you that accepts #5 plastics.
Before placing plastic containers in recycling, remove any personal information from prescription bottles and thoroughly clean out the inside of them.
Common mistakes to avoid
There are some common mistakes that many people make involving vitamin, supplement, and medication disposal.
Flush vitamins and supplements
It might seem reasonable to flush expired or unwanted medicines, vitamins, or other supplements down the toilet, but doing so is a common mistake.
However, the FDA notes that low levels of medications can end up in streams and rivers (and sometimes drinking water).
The medications on the flush list are there because the known risk of harm from accidental ingestion of such medicines outweighs the risks linked to flushing them. However, the FDA prohibits flushing drugs and/or supplements that are not on the flush list.
Adopting improper trash disposal methods
It’s also common to throw expired medicines, vitamins, and supplements in the trash can without adopting proper trash disposal methods.
However, doing so may cause these substances to leak into landfills, groundwater, streams, and other parts of the environment—potentially even drinking water.
Dispose of supplements and medications properly in the trash if you cannot take advantage of take-back programs, mail-back options, or taking these products to hazardous waste collection sites.
Industry trends in sustainable packaging
Many supplement manufacturers have adopted sustainable, innovative packaging like blister packs, non-plastic containers, and recyclable pouches.
Vital Proteins, Garden of Life, Nature’s Way, SmartyPants, Gaia Herbs, Pure Synergy, and numerous others are examples of supplement brands strongly committed to sustainable practices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are some commonly asked questions about safe vitamin and supplement disposal.
Can I flush expired vitamins down the toilet?
No, this is not a good idea because flushing can contaminate water systems. Take advantage of take-back programs, mail-in programs, or safe trash disposal methods for medications and supplements listed above and provided by the FDA.
Are expired vitamins considered hazardous waste?
Not necessarily, but they may be harmful due to ingredients that can alter the environment when improperly discarded. Researchers suggest improper disposal of medications and supplements (pharmaceutical waste) is a global problem with adverse environmental effects.
What should I do with liquid supplements?
Mix liquid medicines or supplements with absorbent materials, such as coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter, before sealing them in an airtight container and disposing them properly.
Can I consume medications, vitamins, or supplements after the expiration date?
Based on research, it is possible, but it’s generally not a good idea to do this because vitamins and other products lose potency over time. There’s also a potential for chemical changes in expired products to harm your health or well-being.
Key takeaways
- Properly disposing of expired vitamins and other supplements protects human health, animal health, and the environment.
- The FDA suggests disposal options, including safe at-home disposal techniques, recycling packaging, take-back programs, and medication mail-back options.
- By properly disposing of your vitamins, other dietary supplements, and medications, you can contribute to a cleaner planet while ensuring safety for your family, pets, and community.
- Explore our related articles on sustainable living, or subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on eco-friendly practices. Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
Whole person care is the future.
Fullscript puts it within reach.
healthcare is delivered.
