Free national medicine disposal service launched in pharmacies

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD has announced the national roll-out of MediBack, a free service allowing people to return unused or expired medicines to community pharmacies for safe disposal.

The initiative aims to reduce the risks of accidental poisoning, medicine misuse and diversion to the black market, while supporting antimicrobial resistance efforts, suicide prevention and environmental protection.

The HSE and Irish Pharmacy Union welcomed the scheme, highlighting the accessibility and expertise of community pharmacists in providing safe medicine disposal.

Most human medicines, along with some pet medicines, will be accepted. However, restrictions apply to items such as needles and lancets, as well as medicines for farm animals.

People can return medicines to any participating pharmacy, regardless of where they were originally purchased. Those with large quantities are advised to contact their pharmacy in advance.

A full list of accepted and excluded medicines is available at gov.ie/mediback.