You should destroy them beyond reclamation - destroy them so that no one can inadvertently take them and be harmed. The following are suggested ways to do this:

• To destroy liquid medications: Open the container and pour the medication over/into an absorbent material such as kitty litter or paper products and dispose of in the regular trash just prior to pick-up.
• To destroy tablets and capsules: Pour a small amount of cleaning fluid, such as liquid detergent, ammonia or bleach in the bottles with the medication and then dispose of in the regular trash just prior to pick-up.
• Remove the patient name from any medicine containers. Place all containers in a sealed outer bag or box with no label.