Frequently Asked Questions
We've covered lots of common questions to help you make the best use of Return Unwanted Medicines services.
FAQ Sections
Consumer FAQs
What is RUM?
RUM is the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines (also known as the RUM Project), a not-for-profit company, that is funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. It was established to facilitate the collection and disposal of unwanted and expired medicines from the public.
RUM operates nationally and there are approximately 6,000 pharmacies in Australia, with many of these pharmacies participating in the RUM Project.
What are “unwanted medicines”?
These are any prescribed or over the counter medications, vitamin, liquid, creams, or medicines that are either out of date or simply no longer needed.
It can be extremely dangerous to take medicine that was prescribed for one ailment for a different health problem. Please always consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking medicines prescribed for another condition.
RUM recommends that people collect all unwanted medicines in the home and take them to their local pharmacy participating in the RUM project for safe disposal.
Why should I take my medicines back to the pharmacy for disposal in the RUM bin?
It’s potentially harmful to you, your family and even your pets to keep expired or unwanted medicines in the house. It may result in accidental poisoning, or be confused with other medications, especially by children or older people.
Expired or unwanted medicines that aren’t properly disposed of – such as throwing them in the bin or flushing them down the toilet – can also contaminate the environment.
Why can’t I still take expired medicines?
There are multiple reasons why taking expired medicines may be bad for your health and can also be potentially dangerous.
Expired medicine may have lost its effectiveness, and long exposure to light, humidity and storage conditions in the house means its chemical composition can change over time, making it unsuitable for use.
Common places where expiry dates on medicines can be located include labels, bottle lids, and the end of tubes. If you’re not sure about whether your medicine is expired, ask your local pharmacist.
Where is the best place to keep medicines in the home?
Keep your medicines in a cool, dark place that’s away from light and heat. Places to avoid include anywhere in the kitchen that’s near the cooktop or fridge, and in the bathroom cabinet.
Make sure that your storage place is out-of-reach of children and pets, so that they don’t accidentally ingest anything.
Which pharmacies in Australia have RUM bins?
Most community pharmacies have a RUM bin – all you need to do is ask the pharmacist or dispensary staff to put your unwanted medicines into their RUM bin.
Why are community pharmacies the collection point for unwanted medicines?
There is a widely distributed network of community pharmacies throughout Australia and most people have a pharmacy less than 10 minutes away from their home, so the convenience of the pharmacy is important.
Pharmacies may be open long hours, making it simple and easy for people to return any unwanted medicines to a nearby pharmacy at a time when it suits them. And of course, pharmacists are the “medication managers” in the community.
There is no charge to return any unwanted medicines.
Will my privacy be protected?
Yes.
Once you return your medicines to the pharmacy, they are placed in the RUM bin which is stored in a secure area of the pharmacy, that is always supervised by a pharmacist. Once the RUM bin is full it is then incinerated by an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) accredited facility.
Just as you trust a pharmacist with your personal information when you fill scripts, you can trust your pharmacist to protect your privacy when you dispose of your medicines.
If you are still concerned about your privacy, remove your medicines from the original packaging (on which the label is attached) and only return the medicines to the pharmacy for disposal in the RUM bin.
What types of medicines can I return to the pharmacy?
Please see the list of medicines and medical items that can go in the RUM Bin here.
What items shouldn’t be taken to the pharmacy for disposal in the RUM bin?
Please see the list of medicines and medical items that should NOT go in the RUM Bin here.
What is the best way to take my undated medicines back to the pharmacy?
Once you have sorted your medicines at home, remove any unwanted medicines from the packaging, collect them together into a bag and then take the bag back to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
Always remember to take your unwanted medicines to the area of the pharmacy where the pharmacist is working (i.e., where the prescriptions are dispensed) as the staff here will be able to help you.
Can “sharps” (needles and syringes) be included in the RUM collections?
No.
Sharps should be placed in an appropriate sharps container and returned to the correct disposal point – your pharmacist may be able to assist you in locating this.
Do I also bring back the packaging to be disposed of as well?
No, it is preferred that you remove all your unwanted medicines from their original packaging (i.e., boxes, bottles) and dispose of this in your household recycling.
Any medicines in foil blisters can also be removed – the foil blisters can be recycled at many pharmacies (a list of participating pharmacies can be found at www.pharmacycle.com.au/find-a-location).Collect your loose unwanted medicines into a bag and return to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do I need to take my unwanted medicines back to the pharmacy where they were originally purchased?
Medicines can be taken to any pharmacy participating in the RUM project for disposal. It is not necessary to return them to the pharmacy from which they were originally purchased.
What can I do if the pharmacy will not take my medicines?
In the unlikely event that the pharmacy is not able to take your unwanted medicines, please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for assistance or email info@returnmed.com.au.
What happens to my returned medicines?
All medicines are incinerated at high temperature without any further inspection by an EPA accredited incineration facility.
Will my returned medicines be recycled or reused in any way?
None of the returned medicines are recycled or reused by the pharmacy at any time. This is prevented by best practice procedures for the use of medicines and in some jurisdictions by legislation.
Who pays for the collection of RUM bins and disposal?
Community pharmacies collect these medicines at no cost to consumers or pharmacies.
The Commonwealth Government through the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, funds the RUM project.
The cost of the manufacture of the RUM bins, transport costs, storage of full bins prior to incineration, actual incineration costs, and the management of these arrangements are funded by the Government, but the delivery of the program is managed by National Return & Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Ltd, a not-for-profit company.
Why can’t expired or unwanted medicines be used for overseas aid?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has strongly recommended that the recycling of returned medicines be ceased, for the following reasons:
- The “integrity” of previously distributed medicines cannot be assured. Strict controls are in place to regulate the manufacture and storage of medicines in the manufacturer, wholesaler, and pharmacy environments. There have been frequent reports of adulterated medicines in the media. We should not apply double standards – if we are not to use the medicines, neither should another country.
- The recipient country often may not have knowledge of medicines available in the “sending” country. Brand names differ, and most often the medicines sent are of no use in the circumstances existing in the receiving country.
- Black Market operations in developing countries are often very active. The interception of drug deliveries is common.
The preferred WHO protocol for medicinal aid is:
- A medical person (doctor, pharmacist or nurse) with authority in the need country prepares a list of specific medicinal requirements.
- The list includes delivery address requirements, and names of responsible recipients for the medicines.
- The list is provided to an official Aid organisation in Australia who contact manufacturers and wholesalers direct. The contact seeks donations of required medicines from manufacturers, or at least a heavily discount priced contribution. (Manufacturers in Australia may be very generous in this regard).
Healthcare Professional FAQs
What is RUM?
RUM is the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines (also known as the RUM Project), a not-for-profit company, that is funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. It was established to facilitate the collection and disposal of unwanted and expired medicines from the public.
Who pays for the collection of RUM bins and disposal?
Community pharmacies collect these medicines at no cost to consumers and pharmacies.
The Commonwealth Government through the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, funds the RUM project.
The cost of the manufacture of the RUM bins, transport costs, storage of full bins prior to incineration, actual incineration costs, and the management of these arrangements are funded by the Government, but the delivery of the program is managed by National Return & Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Ltd, a not-for-profit company.
Which pharmacies in Australia have RUM bins?
Most community pharmacies have a RUM bin – all you need to do is ask the pharmacist or dispensary staff to put your unwanted medicines into their RUM bin.
Why are community pharmacies the collection point for unwanted medicines?
There is a widely distributed network of community pharmacies throughout Australia and most people have a pharmacy less than 10 minutes away from their home, so the convenience of the pharmacy is important.
Pharmacies may be open long hours, making it simple and easy for people to return any unwanted medicines to a nearby pharmacy at a time when it suits them. And of course, pharmacists are the “medication managers” in the community.
There is no charge to return any unwanted medicines.
How do I order an empty RUM bin for my pharmacy?
RUM bins can be ordered from your pharmacy’s wholesaler using your normal ordering method.
Once received the RUM bin must be assembled – first remove the red seal from the base of RUM bin and store securely until required when returning the full RUM bin for destruction.
Next place the one-way lid onto the top of the RUM bin and push down firmly to attach.
Now your RUM bin is ready to use safely.
What happens when my RUM bin is filled
Once the RUM bin is full, attach the red seal over the one-way entry to ensure safe carriage to the incineration facility.
You will need to organise a Return Authority through your wholesaler to ensure that the courier will collect the RUM bin at the next visit to your pharmacy.
What types of medicines can be returned to the pharmacy?
Please see the list of medicines and medical items that can go in the RUM Bin here.
Are any of the returned medicines recycled or reused in any way?
None of the returned medicines are recycled or reused.
This is prevented by best practice procedures for the use of medicines and in some jurisdictions by legislation.
What items shouldn’t be disposed of in the RUM bin?
Please see the list of medicines and medical items that should NOT go in the RUM bin here.
How can consumers recycle their blister packaging?
Any medicines in foil blisters can also be removed – the foil blisters can be recycled at many pharmacies (a list of participating pharmacies can be found at www.pharmacycle.com.au/find-a-location. Collect your loose unwanted medicines into a bag and return to their local pharmacy participating in the RUM project for safe disposal.
Does a consumer need to return any unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where they were initially purchased?
Medicines can be taken to any pharmacy participating in the RUM project for disposal. It is not necessary to return them to the pharmacy from which they were originally purchased.
Is it possible to provide RUM bins to a local medical centre?
No, RUM bins can only be provided to and used in community pharmacies. A RUM bin must always be under the direct supervision of the pharmacist in charge (i.e., in the dispensary).
Can the pharmacy provide RUM bins to an Aged Care Facility for their use onsite?
No, RUM bins can only be provided to and used in community pharmacies. A RUM bin must always be under the direct supervision of the pharmacist in charge (i.e., in the dispensary).
Why can’t expired or unwanted medicines be used for overseas aid?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has strongly recommended that the recycling of returned medicines be ceased, for the following reasons:
- The “integrity” of previously distributed medicines cannot be assured. Strict controls are in place to regulate the manufacture and storage of medicines in the manufacturer, wholesaler, and pharmacy environments. There have been frequent reports of adulterated medicines in the media. We should not apply double standards – if we are not to use the medicines, neither should another country.
- The recipient country may not have knowledge of medicines available in the “sending” country. Brand names differ, and most often the medicines sent are of no use in the circumstances existing in the receiving country.
- Black Market operations in developing countries are often very active. The interception of drug deliveries is common.
The preferred WHO protocol for medicinal aid is:
- A medical person (doctor, pharmacist or nurse) with authority in the need country prepares a list of specific medicinal requirements.
- The list includes delivery address requirements, and names of responsible recipients for the medicines.
- The list is provided to an official Aid organisation in Australia who contact manufacturers and wholesalers direct. The contact seeks donations of required medicines from manufacturers, or at least a heavily discount priced contribution. (Manufacturers in Australia may be very generous in this regard).
What Goes IN the Bin?
| PRODUCT | ADVICE |
|---|---|
| Methadone takeaway doses | Pour over absorbent material in RUM bin. Do not put the conatainer into the RUM bin. |
| Asthma inhalers | All respiratory devices can be put into the RUM bin. |
| Buprenorphine patches | Patches must be rendered unfit for human consumption and not be easily identified. |
| Creams | |
| Duodopa cassettes | Used or unused without any tubing or pumps attached. For further information refer to the Duodopa nurse service. |
| Ear drops | |
| Epipens - unused | Remove from the packaging. |
| Eye drops - drops and ointments | |
| Fentanyl patches | Patches must be rendered unfit for human consumption and not be easily identified. |
| Fire damaged pharmacy stock | Please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for further assistance. |
| Flood damaged pharmacy stock | Please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for further assistance. |
| Galenicals | |
| Glass ampoules - either broken or unbroken | |
| Glyceryl trinitrate tablets | |
| Gylceryl trinitrate spray (e.g. Nitrolingual spray) | |
| Herbal preparations | Remove from the packaging. |
| Homeopathic medicines | Remove from the packaging. |
| Insulin | All insulin products can be put into the RUM bin - remove from the packaging. |
| IV fluids | Unused fluids without any cytotoxic contents - no tubing attached. |
| Lotions | |
| Medicines for my pets | Remove from the packaging. |
| Morphine ampoules | Need to be rendered unfit for human consumption - contents emptied into RUM bin, and ampoules then dropped into the RUM bin. |
| Nasal spray or drops | |
| Ointments | |
| Oxycontin tablets | Schedule 8 medicines must be destroyed as required in your state - see pharmacist prtotocol under the pharmacist tab. |
| Palliative care medicines after patient has died | Family members can return these to the pharmacy for disposal. |
| Panadeine forte and generic equivalents | |
| Penthrox inhalers | |
| Pessaries | |
| Returned medicines from Aged Care facilities | Must be taken to the pharmacy for disposal. RUM bins must not be provided to any Aged Care facilities. |
| Schedule 8 medicines - all dose forms e.g. tablets, liquid, injections,patches,lozenges | Refer to the protocol for your state - found under the pharmacist tab on website. |
| Suboxone takeaway doses | Strips must be rendered unfit for human consumption and not be easily identified. |
| Suppositories | |
| Vaccines | Remove from the packaging. |
| Vape liquid or cartridges | |
| Veterinary medicines | Remove from the packaging. |
| Vitamins and minerals | Remove from the packaging. |
| Methadone takeaway dose | Poured onto absorbent substrate (e.g., Kitty Litter) in the RUM bin. |
| Anapen injectors - unused | Remove from the packaging. |
What to Dispose Elsewhere?
| PRODUCT | ADVICE |
|---|---|
| Sharps wastages from in-pharmacy vaccination programs | Each participating pharmacy must have their own protocol and have an in-store arrangement with a clinical waste collection provider. |
| Sharps | Inquire at your local council. |
| Epipens - used | Dispose in a sharps bin. |
| GP sample packs of medicines | No, the surgery must organise their own high temperature incineration contractor to collect. |
| Enteral feeding tubes | Dispose in a sharps bin. |
| Naso-gastric feeding tubes | Dispose in a sharps bin. |
| Duodopa tubing and pumps | Dispose in a sharps bin. |
| Arsenic | Requires special handling - Please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for further assistance. |
| Cyanide | Requires special handling - Please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for further assistance. |
| Strychnine | Requires special handling - Please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for further assistance. |
| Mercury | Requires special handling - Please call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 for further assistance. |
| X-rays | Refer to the PlanetArk Recycling Near You website for further information. |
| Dose administration aids (e.g., Websterpacks) | Empty any medicines and return them to the pharmacy. Refer to www.pharmacycle.com.au or www.medcycle.com.au for recycling. |
| Vapes - rechargeable and refillable | Refer to your local council for alternatives. |
| Vapes - disposable (single-use) | Refer to your local council for alternatives. |
| e-cigarettes | Refer to your local council for alternatives. |
| Cosmetics | Refer to the PlanetArk Recycling Near You website for further information. |
| Skin care products | Refer to the PlanetArk Recycling Near You website for further information. |
| Anapens - used | Dispose in a sharps bin. |