Unused medicines or expired medicines can be brought into Westerhailes Pharmacy for safe disposal. The medicine waste disposal service is completely free and available to the public. We have a contract from the local authority to have these uplifted and disposed of safely.
Why bring medicines back to the pharmacy?
It is not safe to dispose of unwanted or expired medicines in domestic bins or by flushing them down toilets. The drugs can contaminate the environment or the water supplies. If medication ends up in domestic bins, it can potentially fall into the wrong hands.
Stockpiling drugs or keeping unused medicines also poses health risks. The risk is particularly relevant in a family home.
What happens to returned medicines?
Returned medicines or expired medicines will not be re-used in the pharmacy. The medicines returned will go into specified containers and be disposed of by specialist waste management companies.
Please tell us what medicines you are returning (for example sharps, controlled drugs or liquids).
If organising regular medicines is difficult, read about our weekly dosette box service. You can contact the pharmacy team with questions about returning medicines, or explore our other pharmacy services.
Questions about returning medicines?
Bring them to the pharmacy during opening hours, or call us on 0131 275 4660 and our friendly team will help.