Jobs for the Week: Decluttering Medicines and Medical Items

This week we are tackling the medicine cupboard. When this area of your home gets disorganised and cluttered, it can lead to overbuying and waste. Taking the time to sort it out will save you money and also be better for the environment.

As always, use what time you have this week to get this weeks job done.

If You Have 5 Minutes

• Quick expiry check: Open your medicine cupboard or drawer and scan for anything out of date. Start by removing one or two expired items to dispose of safely.

• Check duplicates: Look for multiples of the same medication—especially over-the-counter items. Consolidate where appropriate and discard any that are no longer needed.

  
  

If You Have 30 Minutes

• Full sort-through: Take everything out and group items by category—pain relief, cold and flu, plasters, prescriptions, etc. Check expiry dates and set aside anything out of date, damaged, or no longer needed.

• Organise clearly: Return items to your cupboard in labelled boxes or containers (e.g. “First Aid”, “Everyday Essentials”, “Kids’ Medicines”). This makes it easy to find what you need in a hurry.

  
  

If You Have Longer

• Safe disposal: Take expired or unused medicines to your local pharmacy. Do not throw them in the bin or flush them, as this can be harmful to the environment.

• Check medical equipment: Look over items like thermometers, blood pressure monitors, or hot water bottles. If anything’s broken or no longer used, consider donating or recycling responsibly.

• Restock wisely: Make a note of any essentials you’re missing—plasters, antiseptic cream, paracetamol—and restock thoughtfully, avoiding overbuying.

  
  

Did You Know?

Most UK pharmacies will accept expired or unwanted medication and dispose of it safely. This helps prevent harm to others and protects the environment.