What should pharmacies in Michigan do with expired medications?

Pharmacies in Michigan are required to dispose of expired medications in accordance with federal and state regulations, making this the correct answer. Proper disposal is crucial to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. This typically involves following designated disposal methods for hazardous and non-hazardous drugs, often involving specific procedures as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Returning expired medications to the manufacturer is not a common practice for pharmacies, as manufacturers usually do not accept returned products after their expiration date due to liability concerns and control of inventory. Flushing medications down the toilet can be detrimental to water sources and is only advised for certain high-risk medications, as specified by regulatory agencies. Donating expired medications is not permitted, as it poses ethical and legal issues and can compromise patient safety. Thus, adhering to the established disposal regulations is the most responsible and lawful practice for pharmacies.