Q: Can I return my medication if unused or unopened?

A: In Canada, returning unused medications is focused on safe disposal, not resale or refund. Canadian pharmacies will safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription, OTC, or natural health products, but do not offer refunds or reuse, unless returned due to a pharmacy dispensing error. The emphasis is on consumer safety, legal compliance, and environmental protection. If you just want safe disposal, your local pharmacy is ready to help.

Canada’s Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) Take‑Back Program:

• HPSA offers free, secure medication return services in BC, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island.

• Alberta utilizes the ENVIRx Program.

• Nova Scotia offers the Medication Disposal Program.

• Saskatchewan uses the Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Program.

• Accepted items:

  • Prescription drugs

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

  • Natural health products

• Most community pharmacies offer no-cost returns (regardless of being original point of sale) for safe disposal of medications.

• Instructions:

  • Remove pills from bottles into a clear bag

  • Keep liquids/creams/inhalers in original containers

  • Black out personal information on labels

Returned items are sent to licensed incinerators for safe destruction—never reused HPSA.