Clear your chest. Your medicine chest or cabinet, that is. When was the last time you cleaned it out?

If you're a regular headache sufferer or live with someone who is, then your cabinet is probably full of painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

You should make it a habit to check expiry dates and chuck out all outdated medications or those that show signs of breaking down. Just like food, medications do spoil over time. Old ASA (e.g., Aspirin®) and acetaminophen tablets that are ready to be thrown out may smell of vinegar. Liquid medications may become discoloured.

But don't throw medications in the garbage! Instead, take them to your local pharmacy for disposal. Many pharmacies have programs where they accept old medications and pay for special waste disposal companies to destroy them safely. Alternatively, keep an eye out for hazardous waste disposal days organized by your community. You can usually get rid of outdated medications at these events along with unwanted household chemicals like leftover paint and paint thinners.