May 21 is National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day!

Saturday, May 21 is National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day in Canada. Pharmacies and police departments throughout the country are taking part to encourage people to safely dispose of their expired or unused prescription drugs.

Expired and unused medications can be dangerous, as they can fall into the wrong hands or develop side effects over time. Medications should never go in the garbage or down the drain, as they can harm the environment and contaminate the water supply.

In Ontario, OPP has a list of locations accepting medications on May 21. Most pharmacies in Ontario can accept returned medications at any time; talk to your pharmacist for more information.

In Alberta, the Alberta Pharmacists Association supports the initiative. Visit their website for a list of pharmacies accepting returns, or speak to your pharmacist for more information.

Quebec does not have a province-wide program for accepting medication returns, but most municipalities have a program in place. Speak to your pharmacist for more information.

British Columbia residents can take their medications to any pharmacist for proper disposal.

For more information about safe disposal, visit HealthSteward.ca.