9 November 2026
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
In order to avoid any harm to the environment or put public health and safety at risk, it is important that out of date or unused medications are disposed of safely. Since Friday 28 August 2026, you can bring unused and out-of-date medicines to any local pharmacy for safe disposal through the free MediBack service.
How can I access the MediBack service?
The service is provided by all community pharmacies around Ireland, which makes it very accessible to everyone. You do not have to return the medications to the pharmacy where they were originally dispensed or bought. The person who returns the medicine to the pharmacy does not need to know what the medicine is used for and there is no requirement to only return your own medicines. You should remove the outer packaging and any labels with the patient’s name and address before returning them.
Is there a charge for the service?
No, this is a free service.
What medications are accepted through the Mediback service?
In general, the scheme accepts all prescription and over the counter medications including those purchased in non-pharmacy settings. Tablets or capsules contained in a pharmacy vial, sealed plastic bag or in their original inner packaging or strip are accepted as are medicated drops, ointments and sprays. Liquid medicines up to 1 litre in their original containers with the lid closed, intact ampoules containing liquid medications and injector devices with needles removed or retracted are all accepted. If you are unsure whether or not an item is accepted under the scheme you should check with your local pharmacy in advance.
Veterinary medicines for small companion animals (household pets) such as dogs and cats, are accepted.
Can I return large quantities of medicines?
If you have a large quantity of unused medicines to bring back (for example, more than you can carry in two hands), contact your pharmacy first to check if they have capacity in their MediBack bin to accept your items. If they do not have capacity, they will arrange a suitable time for you to bring in the items.
Can I bring back “blister pack trays” or monitored dosage systems?
Yes, the plastic “blister pack trays” can be accepted through the MediBack service, provided all the tablets/capsules are contained inside the “blister”.
You should first remove the outer packaging and anything that contains patient-identifying information (e.g. adhesive labels with the patient’s name).
Are there items which will not be accepted?
The service will not accept some items such as loose tablets, sharps (needles and lancets) and medication for farm animals. If you are not sure whether a medicine is accepted, the pharmacy can tell you. Your pharmacy can advise you on how to dispose of sharps in your region.
South Munster Citizens Information
Further information on this and other topics is available from Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street, open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.45am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Tel 0818 07 6950 (Lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm). Blackpool CIC is also open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Tel 0818 07 6890 while Hollyhill CIC is open Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Tel: 0818 07 6850.
Information is also available from the Citizens Information Phone Service Tel: 0818 07 4000 (9am – 8pm, Mon – Fri) or online at www.citizensinformation.ie