ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Drug disposal

Drug disposal is like throwing away your old toys. Sometimes, when you don't need your toys anymore or they are broken, you have to throw them away. The same goes for old medicines that you don't need anymore or that have expired. Drugs are things that people take when they are sick or need help feeling better. But when we don't need them anymore or they are expired, we have to get rid of them.

Getting rid of drugs is not like throwing them in the trash. They could be dangerous to other people or animals if they get into the wrong hands. So, it's important to dispose of them properly. There are a few ways to properly dispose of drugs.

One way is to take them to a drug take-back program. This is like when you drop off your old clothes or toys at a donation center. There are special places you can take your drugs, like your local pharmacy, police station or fire department, where they will be safely destroyed.

If there is no take-back program in your area, you can also dispose of drugs at home. But, you need to do it the right way. First, make sure to remove any personal information from the medicine bottle, like your name or address. Then, mix the drugs with something like dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds to make it hard for someone to take them out of the trash. Finally, put the mixture in a sealed bag and throw it away in the trash.

It's important to always ask an adult for help with drug disposal. They can help you make sure the drugs are being disposed of safely and properly. So, just like getting rid of your old toys, getting rid of your old medicines is important to keep you and others safe.