The top priority of the sorting process is to separate out the pharmaceuticals that are categorized as controlled substances (e.g. narcotics), antineoplastic (cytotoxic-anti-cancer) drugs and any other hazardous non-pharmaceutical products that may have been mixed among the pharmaceuticals. These must all be stored in separate, secure designated areas prior to their separate, safe disposal.

The remaining unwanted pharmaceuticals must be further sorted into different categories by dosage form, (capsules, powders, solutions, suppositories, syrups, tablets). The following sorting categories and subcategories are suggested.