Medicines and poison disposal
After a disaster, medicines and poisons may be unsafe to use, due to:
- contact with contaminated floodwater
- exposure to heat and smoke from a fire
- damage to the packaging (missing or illegible label, broken or punctured container, perforated blister strip)
- exposure to temperatures, light or humidity outside the storage guidelines on the manufacturer's label.
Avoid any unnecessary contact with damaged medicines and poisons. If it is safe, securely wrap the package to ensure the containers do not come apart or leak, and that they cannot be identified as medicines or poisons.
Do not use any medicine or poison affected by a disaster unless you are sure it’s safe.
Poisons
If a poison container is damaged, dispose of the contents by following the waste management requirements of your local council.
Sharps and needles
Place sharps (such as needles) in a rigid, puncture-resistant sealed container.
If your pharmacy participates in the Pharmacy Needle and Syringe Program, they provide safe disposal options.
Medicines
Most community pharmacies are involved in the Return Unwanted Medicines Program, where you can return expired or unwanted medicines. Check with your local pharmacy before taking drugs there.
In a disaster or emergency situation, Queensland Health environmental health officers are authorised to destroy a drug or poison in small quantities if necessary.
More information
- Phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
- Contact your nearest Queensland Health public health unit
- Contact the Environmental Hazards Unit