Grey-Bruce residents return more than 200 old medications

Grey-Bruce residents returned more than 200 unused or expired medications to an Owen Sound pharmacy for safe disposal during this year's Attacking Medication Misuse campaign, Grey Bruce Public Health says.

The campaign was a joint effort between Grey Bruce Public Health, the Owen Sound Attack and the Shoppers Drug Mart on 16th St. E. in Owen Sound. People who returned old medications received a voucher for a regular-season Attack home game.

The campaign began Oct. 4 and was set to run until Oct. 10 or until the vouchers ran out. The health unit says all 150 vouchers were claimed by Oct. 8.

Returned medications included antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, opioids, benzodiazepines and asthma medication, according to the health unit.

"This campaign was a success for several reasons," said Jason Weppler, manager of the health unit's Comprehensive Health Promotion program. "First, we accomplished our primary goal of increasing awareness about the proper way to dispose of no-longer-required medications – that being to return them to any pharmacy for safe disposal. We were also able to ensure that more than 200 unused medications will not end up in landfill, local waterways, or the wrong hands."

Clearing out the cabinet? All pharmacies accept old or unused medications year-round, the health unit says. That includes expired pills, tablets, creams and natural health products.

Source: Grey Bruce Public Health news release, Oct. 27, 2026.