Disposal of Unwanted Medicines

Got out-of-date or unwanted medicines at home, whether prescribed or bought over the counter? Please don’t bin them or flush them away. Take them back to any local pharmacy, or return them to us, and they’ll be disposed of safely. It’s completely free.

How to return medicines Contact our support team

Why safe disposal matters

Every year, large amounts of unused and out-of-date medicines are thrown in household bins or flushed down toilets and sinks. Traces of these medicines are increasingly being found in soil and water, so how you get rid of them really does make a difference.

  • Prevents accidental poisoningChildren, pets or vulnerable adults could find and take medicines that are left lying around.
  • Protects the environmentMedicines that are poured away or sent to landfill can find their way into soil, rivers and water supplies.
  • Stops medicines being misusedUnused prescription medicines can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
  • Avoids mix-upsIf your medicines change, clearing out the old ones means you won’t confuse them with your new ones.

Two simple ways to get rid of your medicines

Choose whichever suits you best. Both are free, and both make sure your medicines are destroyed safely.

Option 1 · Quickest

Take them to any local pharmacy

Any community pharmacy can take back medicines you no longer need and dispose of them safely. Just hand them over the counter to a member of staff. There’s no appointment needed.

  • Free of charge
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medicines accepted
  • It doesn’t matter where you got them from
Option 2

Return them to Signature Pharmacy

Rather send them back to us? Get in touch with our support team first and we’ll explain how to return your medicines safely. Once they reach us, our pharmacy team will destroy them for you.

  • Speak to our team before sending anything
  • We’ll tell you how to pack your return
  • Destroyed safely by our pharmacy team
Contact our support team

How to return medicines to us

  1. 1

    Get in touch

    Call us on 0330 111 0440 or message us through our help centre and let us know what you’d like to return.

  2. 2

    Pack it safely

    Our team will explain how to package your medicines so they reach us securely. Please don’t post anything until you’ve spoken to us.

  3. 3

    We dispose of it

    Once your return arrives, our pharmacy team will destroy your medicines safely and responsibly.

What pharmacies can’t accept

For safety reasons, pharmacies can only take back medicines. Please don’t include:

  • Needles, syringes and other sharps
  • Household chemicals, batteries or anything that isn’t a medicine
  • Pet and veterinary medicines — please return these to your vet

Before you hand them in

A few quick tips to make returning your medicines easy and safe.

Keep them in their packaging

Leave tablets and capsules in their original boxes, bottles or blister strips. There’s no need to pop them out.

Store them safely until then

Keep medicines somewhere cool and dry, out of sight and reach of children and pets, until you can hand them in.

Protect your details

If you’d like, remove or cover your name and address on labels before handing them in.

Unused medicines can’t be reused

Once a medicine has left the pharmacy, it can’t be recycled or given to anyone else, even if the box was never opened. Ordering only what you need keeps your home safer and helps make the most of NHS resources.

Simple habits that help

  • Tell your GP or pharmacist if you’ve stopped taking a medicine
  • Check what you already have at home before you reorder
  • Only request the items you need on your repeat prescription. You can still order the others later
  • Review your medicines with your GP or pharmacist regularly
  • Going into hospital? Take all your medicines with you in a clearly marked bag
  • Never share your medicines. They’re prescribed only for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to dispose of my medicines?
Yes. Pharmacies take back unwanted medicines free of charge as part of their NHS service. If you’d like to return medicines to us instead, our support team will talk you through it.
Can I return medicines that weren’t supplied by you?
Yes. Any local pharmacy will take back unwanted medicines, wherever they came from.
Can unopened medicines be reused?
No. Once medicines have left a pharmacy, they can’t be reused or passed on to anyone else, even if they were never opened. Any medicines you return will be destroyed safely.
What happens to the medicines I return?
Returned medicines are collected from pharmacies by specialist waste contractors arranged by the NHS, and destroyed safely.
How should I store medicines at home?
Keep them in their original packaging, somewhere cool and dry and out of sight and reach of children and pets. The bathroom isn’t ideal, as heat and moisture can damage some medicines. Always check the leaflet for storage instructions, and clear out your medicines every six months or so.
What should I do with used needles?
Pharmacies can’t accept needles or other sharps. Place them in a sharps bin and contact your local council to arrange collection.
Can I get a refund for medicines I return?
Medicines returned for disposal are destroyed and can’t be reused. If you have a question about an order, refund or delivery, please contact our support team.

Couldn’t find your question? Head over to our help centre for more information.

Not sure what to do with your medicines?

Our pharmacy team can help with returning or safely disposing of medicines. Call us or message us through our help centre, seven days a week.

Contact our support team 0330 111 0440