Where do I dispose of expired medicines?
far-MAH-chi ska-DOO-ti — the 'ch' in farmaci makes a 'k' sound because it is followed by 'i'; stress: far-MAH-chi.
Use this at a pharmacy or when asking a neighbour. Expired or unwanted medicines are hazardous waste and must never go in the bin or down the toilet — Italian pharmacies are legally required to collect them.
All Italian pharmacies (farmacie) must by law accept expired or unused medicines (farmaci) for safe disposal. The medicines are incinerated at specialised facilities. This includes pills, liquids, creams, syringes, and blister packs with residue.
Posso portare i medicinali scaduti in farmacia?
Can I bring expired medicines to the pharmacy?
Polite request; medicinali is a synonym for farmaci.
Non buttare le medicine nel secchio.
Don't throw medicines in the bin.
Simple warning; medicine is the informal plural (from medicina).
C'è un apposito contenitore per i farmaci.
There's a specific container for medicines.
Refers to the collection box visible in most pharmacies.
Italy's network of pharmacy-based medicine collection is one of the most capillary in Europe, operated by Farmaceutici Solidali in partnership with AIFA (the medicines regulator). The collected medicines are destroyed, not donated, to prevent counterfeit drug risks.