When a family member passes away, going through their belongings can be one of the hardest parts of saying goodbye. Beyond the emotional weight, there are also health and safety concerns to keep in mind. Some items, though they may seem harmless, can pose real risks if kept in the home.

Here are four categories of items you should never keep after a loved one’s passing, and what to do with them safely and respectfully.

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1) Unused Prescription Medicines and Controlled Substances

Why not keep them:

Keeping leftover medications can create serious health, legal, and safety problems. Prescription drugs—especially controlled substances like opioids, sedatives, or stimulants—can be dangerous if accidentally ingested by children, pets, or other household members.

There’s also the risk of misuse or theft. Even expired medications can be diverted or abused. In some regions, simply possessing medications that were prescribed to someone else can bring legal consequences.

What to do instead:

Safely dispose of these items through a pharmacy take-back program or a community medication disposal site. Many local health authorities and pharmacies now offer drop boxes or mail-in options.

If no take-back service is available, mix the pills or capsules with something unpleasant—like used coffee grounds or cat litter—seal them in a bag, and place them in the household trash. Be sure to check local disposal rules first, as some areas have specific environmental regulations.

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2) Soiled Clothing, Dressings, or Linens Contaminated with Bodily Fluids

Why not keep them:

Items contaminated with blood, wound drainage, vomit, or urine can carry bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Over time, they may develop strong odors, attract insects, or even release mold spores into the air. Handling these materials without gloves or proper protection increases the risk of infection.

What to do instead:

Always wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated fabrics. Place them in sealed plastic bags for removal. Lightly soiled items can usually be laundered separately in hot water with detergent and bleach (if fabric-safe).

If the items are heavily saturated and cannot be properly cleaned, they should be disposed of as medical waste. Many municipalities or hospitals have biohazard disposal services, or you can check with your local health department for guidance.

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3) Sharp Medical Supplies and Single-Use Devices (Needles, Syringes, Lancets, Catheter Parts)

Why not keep them:

Used sharps are one of the most dangerous household medical remnants. Even a single needlestick injury can transmit serious bloodborne infections such as hepatitis or HIV. These items are also regulated as medical waste and must be disposed of in specific ways.

What to do instead:

Place all used or unused sharps into a hard, puncture-proof container, ideally an approved red sharps box available at most pharmacies. When full, return it to a pharmacy or community disposal program. Never throw loose needles or syringes into the trash or recycling bin—they can injure sanitation workers or anyone handling waste later.

If an official sharps container isn’t available, a thick plastic bottle (like a detergent bottle with a screw cap) can be used temporarily until you can dispose of it properly.

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4) Perishable Food, Open Beverages, or Expired Cosmetics

Why not keep them:

Food left in a deceased person’s refrigerator or cupboards spoils quickly. Even if it looks fine, bacteria and mold can multiply unseen, creating health hazards and bad odors.

Likewise, opened beauty products such as creams, makeup, or lotions can harbor bacteria. Using them later can lead to skin irritation or infection.

What to do instead:

Go through the kitchen and discard all perishable foods that are past their use-by date or have been unrefrigerated. Clean the refrigerator and pantry thoroughly to remove residue or odors.

As for cosmetics, discard anything that has been opened for a long time. Unopened and sealed products may be donated to shelters or care centers if still within their shelf life and hygienically stored.

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Additional Practical and Emotional Guidance

While clearing a loved one’s space, it’s important to balance emotional connection with health and safety. Keeping everything may feel comforting at first, but it can make healing harder over time.

• Preserve only meaningful, clean mementos. A photograph, a letter, or a favorite piece of jewelry often holds more genuine comfort than keeping boxes of unused belongings.

• Safeguard essential documents such as IDs, wills, insurance papers, and property titles. These are part of the estate process and must be kept in a secure place.

• Seek professional help if needed. Hospice organizations, home health agencies, and public health departments can guide you on proper disposal of medical materials. Pharmacies and community waste programs are also valuable resources.

• Take your time emotionally. Grief can cloud decision-making. If sorting through items feels too painful, it’s okay to store them temporarily in labeled, sealed containers until you’re ready—or until you have the support of a trusted friend or professional.

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Final Thought

Dealing with a loved one’s belongings is a deeply personal process. By removing hazardous or unsanitary items first, you make space—both physically and emotionally—for what truly matters: preserving their memory in a way that honors their life safely and lovingly.