BidòWhere to throw it › Expired medicines
Where do expired medicines go?
Expired medicines do not go in residual waste: they are taken to the dedicated containers, usually at the pharmacy.
What to do
- Look for the expired-medicine container: it is usually at the entrance or outside pharmacies (sometimes also in clinics or at the recycling centre).
- Usually the box and the leaflet are separated and put in paper, while only the medicine goes in the container: check the instructions on the container.
What to avoid
- Do not throw them in residual waste, down the toilet or down the sink.
- Syringes, needles, mercury thermometers and other healthcare waste have different rules: ask at the pharmacy or the operator.
Why it varies from municipality to municipality
Who manages the containers and where they are placed depends on the area. Each municipality chooses with its operator which bins to use and what can go in them.
This page summarises a general, cautious rule: the real rules vary from municipality to municipality and from operator to operator (colour of bags, accepted waste, days, collection points). If in doubt, what your municipality or the service operator indicates prevails.
Check your municipality's rules
Search for your municipality to see the collection calendar, the recycling centre's opening hours and, where available, the link to the official guide.
Other waste
- Nappies and sanitary pads
- Used cooking oil
- Used batteries
- Broken glass, mirrors and ceramics
- Light bulbs
- Furniture, mattresses and bulky waste
- Used clothes and shoes
- Coffee capsules and pods
- Pizza boxes
- Polystyrene
- Dog and cat litter
- Small appliances and electronic devices
- Milk and juice cartons (Tetra Pak)
- Aerosol cans
- Disposable masks and gloves
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