Medication Disposal

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 4, 2015

I don't immediately toss the epi-pens. When they expire beyond a year I use them in training the staff. After we practice with the trainers I cut the top out of a cardboard box that is about 8" across. I gather everybody around and stick the side of the box with the epi-pen to show with what force the medicine is delivered. I always get gasps and startles from those who've never seen it. They're not expecting the noise, seeing the medicine squirted all the way across the box to the opposite side, and how long the needle is. Then I toss it in the trash (not into the Gulf of Mexico) since the new epi-pens retract over the used needle.

Wow, I love this demo. I am totally stealing this idea for next year, OldDude!

Farawyn · May 4, 2015

I asked my senior nurse in my district and she said why do you have EXPIRED meds?

Ooops.

schooldistrictnurse · May 5, 2015

I would still consider a used epi pen a sharp and dispose of it as a sharp. A sheathed syringe is still a sharp even though the needle is covered.

OldDude · May 5, 2015

I would still consider a used epi pen a sharp and dispose of it as a sharp. A sheathed syringe is still a sharp even though the needle is covered.

Well...I'll have to respectfully disagree with you about that..considering the term "sharp" is used to identify biohazard waste. Since this was never used on a person it would be no different than throwing sewing needles, broken glass, or any other item capable of puncturing or cutting skin, not considered a biohazard, into the trash.

denstar · May 5, 2015

Thank you everyone for the great feedback! I would love to donate the epipens, but from what I've researched, most places cannot take expired meds at all. I might still hang onto a few for demonstration purposes - great idea!

I'll continue looking into drop off centers in the area, I was just unsure as one student who left meds after transferring was on ADHD medication. Parents have refused to pick it up, and I can't mail it back due to the type of medication either. I just wasn't sure if drop off centers can take controlled substances.

Thanks again all!

schooldistrictnurse · May 5, 2015

Old Dude, that's an interesting thought. Look around at some of the other boards here, though, and you'll see "respectfully disagree" is not allowed. You are required to be rude, question my sanity, credentials and integrity as a human being. I would be interested in how others view this, though, but I'll have to make a nasty rejoiner first. :yes:

OldDude · May 5, 2015

Old Dude, that's an interesting thought. Look around at some of the other boards here, though, and you'll see "respectfully disagree" is not allowed. You are required to be rude, question my sanity, credentials and integrity as a human being. I would be interested in how others view this, though, but I'll have to make a nasty rejoiner first.

OOps - sorry - I'd have to question my own sanity first before anyone else's!! It is an interesting concept...and it would be interesting to see what other nurses think about it. Do you want to start a new thread or me?

SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN · May 5, 2015

I asked my senior nurse in my district and she said why do you have EXPIRED meds?
Ooops.

After all, once a med expires it magically disappears into thin air! :yes:

kidzcare · May 5, 2015

After all, once a med expires it magically disappears into thin air!

They don't just evaporate?????

chadron · May 8, 2015

You needed to know EPA has determined that epinephrine is not an acute Hazardous Waste but your state may not agree so you will need to check your state environmental agency, they can be more stringent. If they have accepted EPA's determination and a Epipen is not used,and is to be discarded then it can go in the sharps box. If your state is more stringent then you will need to contact them for proper disposal.

If you have inhalers that have pressure or liquid in them, to discard, your state may consider them aerosol cans which can be an ignitable Hazardous Waste. If you have a stop smoking program and you have left over-unusable Nicotine Patches or the backing tab after demonstration of proper application, you have an Acute Hazardous Waste. Your district needs to talk with your state environmental agency

pfongk · May 12, 2015

We have something in Australia called the R.U.M. (return unwanted medicines) project. Basically we throw all drugs into a large yellow bucket that a lot of staff call a rum bucket and then it is taken to a pharmacy and they dispose of it for you.