Medication disposal

​For a variety of reasons, you may have prescription or over-the-counter medications that were not used.  When it’s time for disposal, do not flush them down the toilet unless the medication guide that comes with the medication says to flush them. (Some medications such as pain-killer patches are dangerous to people if not disposed immediately.)  Medication that is flushed down a toilet or sink can get into streams, rivers, groundwater, and the ocean.  Although some studies show that the small amounts that enter the environment are not harmful, it’s still better to keep these substances out of the environment.  There are also safety concerns with casual disposal of unused medications, because a child or pet may ingest them.  So, what can we do with these unneeded medications?  The two links below contain useful information on a federal drug take-back program in the US, but also provide information on how to safely dispose of medication in a landfill. 

• In the US, there is a federal program that sponsors two prescription drug take-back days a year.  Special drop-off locations are set up on those days and disposal is free.  October 24 is the next drug take-back day (sorry for the short notice).  Here’s a link to find out more.  https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
• In the US, many law enforcement agencies maintain year-round secure drop-off locations for unneeded medications.  Check with your local law enforcement agency for location information. 
• Other countries may have similar programs, so check the Internet.
• Check with your pharmacy.  They may have a take-back program or be able to tell you how to safely dispose of medications in your location. 
• Many modern landfills can also safely accept these medications, because the landfills are isolated from groundwater and rainwater.   This link has information on how to package medications if you are sending them to a landfill in the US, as well as other information on disposal of unused medication.   https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines

 
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