Medicine

To ensure their safe disposal, return any unwanted medicines to your pharmacy. The storage of expired and unwanted medicines in the home poses a risk, particularly for children and the elderly. The incorrect disposal of medicines is hazardous for the environment and public health.

The National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Program (NatRUM) is a service funded by the Australian Government to support the safe disposal of expired and unwanted medicines. 

The program covers:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Herbal or complementary supplements
• Gels, liquids, and topical creams
• Medicines for pets.

Medicines can be returned to any pharmacy.

Sharps or needles aren't covered by the NatRUM program. See our Sharps page for information on how to dispose of needles safely.

As a composite material, blister packs can't be recycled in the yellow bin. Instead, take empty blister packs to Pharmacycle locations. Locally, these include Chemist Warehouse and Community Pharmacy Glen Huntly. A full list of participating businesses is available on their website.

Glass and plastic bottles, such as those used for supplements, can be recycled in the yellow bin. 

Medicine, drugs, pharmaceuticals, tablets, pills, blister packs.