Starting today, residents can exchange expired medicines for new products at 24 drug stores, under a nationwide three-day campaign sponsored by a Guangzhou pharmaceutical company.

Officials from Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Co said it launched the campaign to arouse people's awareness on safe drug use and promote regular clear-outs of household medicines.

The company started the medicine exchange in 2005, naming Mar. 13 as expired medicine reclamation day. So far, it has received 15.4 tons of expired medicines from some 2,000 drug stores across China.

"People can get the same medicine if we stock it, or we offer herbal teas or household commodities like tissues and shampoo," said Zhu Liying, a company official. "All the expired medicines will be destroyed."

City officials said such campaigns can teach people to clear out medicines before their expiry date.

"Local government organizes similar campaigns every December, when we collect expired medicines without offering any rewards," said Jing Chonggang, director of Shanghai Food and Drug Administration's Luwan District branch.

"We have met some residents who took back their expired medicines after learning that we don't offer rewards. Since the drug exchange campaign is only once a year, I am afraid that someone may sell expired medicines to illegal dealers for profit."