Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM Program)

Overview

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacies provide safe disposal of medicines through the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program. This service allows you to bring in unwanted or expired medicines for free, safe disposal, helping protect your household and the environment.

You can access this service at The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, and The Pharmacy on Franklin — no booking required.

Service Restrictions

The following items cannot be disposed of through the RUM program:

• Used sharps

• Used Epipens/Anapens

• Unused sharps that do not contain medication

• Used/Empty medication devices (such as inhalers or pens)

Used sharps can be disposed of for free at your local community health centre or hospital.

Any sharps that still contain medication, where the needle is not removable, should be disposed of through the RUM program.

What Is the RUM Program?

The Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program is a national initiative that allows the public to return expired, unused, or unwanted medicines to participating pharmacies for safe disposal.

Medicines returned through the program are collected and disposed of through approved, environmentally responsible processes, preventing harm to people, pets, and the environment (Return Unwanted Medicines Project, 2023).

Why Safe Disposal Matters

Keeping unwanted medicines at home can pose risks, including:

• Accidental poisoning, particularly in children or pets

• Medication errors or misuse

• Environmental contamination if medicines are thrown in the bin or flushed

Safe disposal through a pharmacy helps reduce these risks and supports responsible medicine use (Return Unwanted Medicines Project, 2023).

What You Can Return

You can return most types of medicines, including:

• Prescription medicines

• Over-the-counter medicines

• Tablets, capsules, creams, and liquids

• Medicines should be returned in their original packaging where possible.

The following items cannot be disposed of through the RUM program:

• Used sharps

• Used Epipens/Anapens

• Unused sharps that do not contain medication

• Used/Empty medication devices (such as inhalers or pens)

Used sharps can be disposed of for free at your local community health centre or hospital.

Any sharps that still contain medication, where the needle is not removable, should be disposed of through the RUM program.

How Our Pharmacists Can Help

When you bring medicines to The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists will:

• Accept your unwanted medicines for safe disposal

• Ensure they are placed in the secure RUM disposal system

• Provide advice if you are unsure what can be returned

• Offer support if you have questions about your medications

Supporting safe use and disposal of medicines is part of the pharmacist’s role under the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Professional Practice Standards (PSA, 2017</a >).

What to Expect at The Pharmacy Network

Simply bring your unwanted medicines to any of our pharmacies during opening hours. There is no cost for this service.

Our team will handle the disposal process safely and securely — no appointment needed.

A Simple Way to Dispose of Medicines Safely

If you’re searching for medicine disposal near you, where to return old medications, or safe medication disposal, our pharmacies at The Pharmacy Network are here to help.

Visit The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, or The Pharmacy on Franklin to safely dispose of your unwanted medicines.

References

Return Unwanted Medicines Project. (2023). Return of Unwanted Medicines Program.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. (2017). Professional Practice Standards.