An estimated US$2.8 billion in expired medication and unfinished prescription drugs is thrown away each year in the US. While throwing drugs in the trash or down the drain may seem harmless, this is far from the truth. When drugs are flushed down the toilet, they can make their way into water sources. Many water treatment facilities are not equipped to filter out this type of contamination. This can damage both marine and human life. In addition, leftover medication can end up in the wrong hands. Between the years 2000 and 2015, poison control centers in the US received approximately 30 calls each day about children who had accidentally consumed medication that had been improperly stored or disposed of. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has taken steps to combat mishandled medicine. In 2010, it launched "National Drug Take-Back Day." This allows people to bring their unwanted pills to specific sites around the US. The main drawback is that these sites are only open once every two years. Fortunately, people may mail unconsumed drugs to the DEA at any time. Drugs that have been returned are then burned. There is, however, an alternative; rather than destroying the medicine, people can donate it. Certain pharmacies in the US will inspect the medicine to make sure it hasn't been tampered with and is still safe to use. Then they will give it to patients who are unable to afford it. One program, "SafeNetRx," has redistributed nearly US$54 million worth of medications and medical supplies. These programs are working hard to counter the harm caused by unused drugs. We can help reduce the potential risks associated with medications even further if we store them in individual containers, keep them locked up, and dispose of them in an appropriate manner.