Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2025. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts.

Pharmaceuticals and Controlled Substances and Demolition

If pharmaceuticals or other controlled substances are found in residential properties awaiting demolition:

Pile of various expired prescription medicines and bottle focused on expired date. Antibiotic , paracetamol, vitamins drugs.

Contact your local law enforcement agency about proper handling of any controlled substances or related waste, e.g., in a former meth lab.
Contact your local and state waste management authorities for guidance on discarding other unwanted pharmaceuticals. Take-back programs or household hazardous waste collection programs may be available.
Learn more about Household Medication Disposal.
Visit the Food and Drug Administration's website How to Dispose of Unused Medicines.

Pharmaceuticals and Controlled Substances and Demolition

Large-Scale Residential Demolition