Ontario Registered Pharmacy Technician (RphT) Practice Exam

The disposal of expired medications in a pharmacy must follow strict regulations to ensure safety for both the environment and public health. Opting for a designated hazardous waste disposal program is the appropriate method because it ensures that medications are handled in a manner compliant with regulations and guidelines set forth by health and environmental authorities.

Pharmacies often accumulate various types of pharmaceutical waste, which can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. By utilizing a designated program, pharmacies can ensure that these medications are treated responsibly, minimizing the risk of accidental ingestion, misuse, or environmental contamination. This method typically involves collecting the medications in specific containers and then scheduling pickup by a certified hazardous waste vendor who will process them according to safety standards.

Other methods, such as disposing of medications in regular trash or flushing them down the toilet, do not provide the necessary safety measures and can lead to contamination of water sources or accidental exposure to improper disposal. Returning medications to the manufacturer is not a standard practice for expired medications unless specific protocols are in place for manufacturers to accept returns.