MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Many households have expired, unused or unwanted medicines stored in cupboards, drawers or bathroom cabinets. The Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program provides a simple way to return these medicines to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal.
The Return Unwanted Medicines Program (RUM) - Responsible Medicine Disposal
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Many households have expired, unused or unwanted medicines stored in cupboards, drawers or bathroom cabinets. The Return Unwanted Medicine (RUM) Program provides a simple way to return these medicines to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal.
The Return Unwanted Medicines Program (RUM) - Responsible Medicine Disposal
Expired or unwanted medicines should not be placed in household rubbish or flushed down sinks or toilets. Through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program, you can return unwanted medicines to participating community pharmacies for collection and disposal at no cost.
The short answer
Unused medicines kept around the home can create risks, including:
- Accidental use
- Medicine mix-ups
- Unintended access by children
- Environmental impacts from incorrect disposal
Returning unwanted medicines through the RUM Program helps ensure medicines are disposed of appropriately.
Why shouldn't medicines go in the bin?
The program accepts a wide range of unwanted medicines, including:
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Creams and ointments
- Liquids and syrups
- Inhalers
- Complementary medicines and supplements
If you're unsure whether an item can be treturned, our pharmacy team can help.
What medicines can be returned?
No GP appointment needed for many conditions.
Returning medicines is straightforward.
Simply bring your unwanted medicines into the pharmacy and hand them to a member of our team.
The medicines are placed into a dedicated collection system and then transported for approved disposal through the national program. There is no charge to patients for using this service.
How does the program work?
Book online or drop in during opening hours.
No GP appointment needed for many conditions.
It's a good idea to check your medicines regularly and remove:
- Expired medicines
- Medicines no longer prescribed
- Unlabelled medicines
- Leftover medicines from previous treatments
Many people choose to review their medicines once or twice each year as part of their regular health routine.
When should you clean our your medicine cupboard?
Book online or drop in during opening hours.
No GP appointment needed for many conditions.
Returning unwanted medicines is one part of good medicine management.
If you're unsure which medicines you're currently taking, or whether older medicines should be kept, speak with our pharmacist. A MedsCheck may also help review your current medicine list and answer any questions.
Responsible medicine management
Does it cost anything to return unwanted medicines?
No. The Return Unwanted Medicines Program is provided free of charge to the public.
Can I return medicines for a family member?
Yes. Unwanted medicines belonging to a family member can also be returned through the program.
Can I return expired medicines?
Yes. Expired medicines are appropriate for return through the program and should not be disposed of in household rubbish or wastewater systems.
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GERRINGONG. NSW SOUTH COAST
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Vaccine funding and 'free' NIP eligibility are current at September 2026, are subject to eligibility criteria, and can change with government policy at any time - please check with our pharmacist before your visit. All vaccinations we administer are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), which your doctor and other health professionals can access.