Pharmaceutical Disposal Program
No Drugs Down the Drain
Unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that are put in drains or flushed down the toilet pollute the environment. Please take medication as prescribed and dispose of unused portions properly.
What you should do to get rid of unused or expired medication?
Take unused or expired medications to a household hazardous waste collection center or event or put in a sturdy, securely sealed container, then in a trash can where children and animals can't reach them.
For more information visit www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org.
Prescription Medication Disposal Guide
According to the FDA, medication take back options are the preferred way to safely dispose of most types of unneeded medicines. You can dispose of medicines at a local DEA-registered collector which will safely and securely collect and dispose of pharmecuticals containing controlled substances and other medicines. Authorized permanent collection sites may be in retail pharmacies, hospital or clinic pharmacies and law enforcement facilities. Contact your local pharmacy for more information.
Recommended Medication Disposal Procedures
Mix - Mix medicines (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as dirt, cat litter or used coffee grounds.
Place - Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.
Throw - Throw the container in your household trash.
Scratch Out - Scratch out all personal information on the prescription label of your empty pill bottle or empty medicine packaging to make it unreadable, then dispose of the container.
Sharps Disposal - Sharp's is a medical term for medical related devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin. They include needles, syringes, lancets and auto injectors. When sharps are not properly disposed of, they pose a health risk to the community and waste collection staff. It may even be illegal in your community to place sharps in your recycle or trash. Talk to your pharmacist about safe sharps disposal. Most pharmacies offer sharps containers and disposal services.
Sources:
https://www.pharmaquotes.com/prescription-medication-disposal
https://health.mil/News/Gallery/Infographics/2016/09/12/Drug-Take-Back-Program
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/65/69/77/65697774a897c218e816ceaa622ecf38--solid-waste-pharmacy-school.jpg
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Story?id=6040196
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlkydT2PH5A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm2pTmWN-9Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLdXmE6sLiE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naw1qZHi5ds