FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is my privacy maintained?

Yes. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. All packages received at MedSafe are opened for proper packaging but no personal information is gathered from the contents. We encourage you to cross out you name and other personal information with a black permanent marker prior to mailing. If you forget, do not fret, personal records are not copied or maintained as any part of our disposal procedures.

How does MedSafe Disposal protect our waterways and drinking water?

MedSafe Disposal incinerates ALL received drugs whether they are prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or holistic medicines and vitamins. Incineration is the only alternative that does not leave risk for water contamination. Almost all available resources will advise you to not put your expired, old and unwanted drugs down the drain but many will tell you to mix them with kitty-litter or coffee grounds and dispose of in your regular garbage. MedSafe Disposal does not recommend this since they are still accessible to children and because landfilling is no a guarantee that contamination will not reach the groundwater since leaching may still occur at various sites.

Is it illegal for me as a private resident to dispose of my pharmaceuticals in the garbage?

No. There is no law that forbids households from disposing of their pharmaceuticals in the garbage if they are not considered hazardous waste like many chemotherapy drugs. Never-the-less this is not the most environmentally friendly approach and why MedSafe Disposal offers this environmentally friendly alternative. You should never dump your pills down a drain or down the toilet.

Will pharmacies take back my pharmaceuticals for free?

Currently most pharmacies do not take back your unused or expired prescriptions or over-the-counter purchased medications, but you will need to contact your pharmacy to find out for sure. Pharmacies themselves have to deal with their own expired and returned merchandise and currently returns would overburden them.

Can I send in my liquid medications?

Yes, as long as you follow the packaging instructions located on the shipping page of this web site.

Are there any medications or items I cannot send to MedSafe Disposal?

Yes. There are several items that are not allowed to be sent to MedSafe Disposal.

• No mailing of any sharps (syringes, needles or glass)
• No liquids or gels in excess of 4 oz.
• No medications that ARE NOT properly marked and within its original container.
• No small electronic or other medical equipment that IS NOT a medication (such as hearing aids or blood sugar monitors).
• Some specialized medicine requires the use of a manufacturer disposal program. You must check your packaging or contact your pharmacist for more information.
• Absolutely NO illegal narcotics, controlled substances or other unlawful drugs. Check with your pharmacist or compare your disposal needs against the list of controlled substances you are not allowed to send to MedSafe at the following link: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/e_cs_sched.pdf

Can I send non-prescription medications and veterinary medications?

YES, according to the EPA, pharmaceuticals of concern are prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs, veterinary drugs, diagnostic agents and nutraceuticals (e.g., vitamins).

Can I dispose of medicated patches and inhalers?

YES, but patches not currently in packaging must be placed into a sealable plastic baggies bag prior to mailing.

www.medsafedisposal.com
23937 Research Drive • Farmington Hills, Michigan 48335
Send Questions & Comments to

Home | The Science | The Concern | The Solution | FAQs | Mailing Instructions | The Store