Q:  What's the best way to throw out leftover medication?   A:  First, you want to take a look at your leftover medication – is it something you should have completed?  Medication compliance is important and many people stop their medication too soon, hopefully this is not you.  You want to clean out your medicine cabinet at least twice a year to dispose of medication that is expired and no longer used.  You do not want to throw it in the garbage where pets and children may find it, and flushing it down the toilet may contaminate ground water.  In your community you may have a hazardous waste disposal system and this is where your unwanted medication should be disposed.  If you do not have this type of program, return it to the dispensing pharmacy – pharmacies are linked into these types of programs and can safely dispose of medication.   For more information ask your Family Health Care Pharmacist.  If you have any questions you would like answered, please email your questions by clicking on ‘Contact Us’.