Return unwanted medicines Posted or Updated on 25 Sep 2025

Return your unwanted medicines 

South Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to return any unwanted medicines to a pharmacy.

People are also encouraged to only order the medicines they need, check their medicines bag before they leave their pharmacy and to tell their GP if they no longer want/need a medication.

These messages aim to reduce harm caused to the environment from medicines pollution as well as potential harm to pets and people at home, and to prevent medicines over-ordering and stockpiling.

If unwanted and unneeded medicines are returned whilst still in the pharmacy those medicines can be safely re-used.

Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer, NHS South Yorkshire said:

 “Returning unwanted medicines to a local pharmacy is a simple and effective action that can help to protect nature and ourselves.  

“When medications get flushed down a toilet or put in bins they can get into our soil and waterways and cause harmful pollution.

“If you have unwanted medication you can return it to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

“This includes any products with medication in them, such as creams, liquids, medicine bottles, used patches and inhalers.”  

“We would ask that patients only order the medications that they need.”

Inhalers in particular, are incredibly important to dispose of correctly as they can leak greenhouse gasses long after the medication has been used.

NHS South Yorkshire urges all residents to check their medicines supply before ordering more, and to check their medicines bags before leaving the pharmacy to help protect supply chains and our environment.

For more information visit the NHS South Yorkshire Website: https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/south-yorkshire-medicine-waste