Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines - CWT

Every year, millions of people receive prescriptions for medications that are never fully used. These unused medications can become a public safety issue, posing the risk of accidental ingestion, theft, misuse, and environmental pollution. In fact, controlled medication collection becomes necessary. Hence, understanding where and how to properly dispose of unused medicines is crucial not only for the safety of our households but also for the well-being of the environment.

1. Why Proper Disposal Matters:

• Prevent Accidental Poisoning: Children, pets, or even adults can mistakenly ingest these medicines leading to accidental poisoning.

• Avoid Misuse: Prescription drugs, especially opioids and certain other medications, can be a target for theft and misuse.

• Protect the Environment: Flushing medicines or tossing them in the trash can result in chemical contamination of water systems and soil.

2. Don’t Flush or Trash – Here’s Why:

• Aquatic Life Impact: Many medicines are not completely removed by wastewater treatment plants or septic systems. When flushed down the toilet or drain, they can harm fish and other aquatic life.

• Soil Contamination: Medicines thrown in the trash can end up in landfills, potentially leaching into the soil and groundwater.

3. Safe Disposal Options:

a) Drug Take-Back Programs:

Drug take-back programs are the most secure and ecologically friendly way to get rid of unneeded drugs.

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an annual event sponsored by the U.S. It offers a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

• Permanent Collection Sites: Many local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies have established permanent collection sites for unwanted medicines.

• Mail-Back Programs: Some organizations or pharmacy chains offer prepaid return mailers allowing you to mail in your unused medications.

b) Disposal of Household Trash:

If no DEA-authorized collectors or take-back programs are available:

• Mix Medicines: Combine them with anything unpleasant, such as cat litter, dirt, or old coffee grounds.

• Put the Blend in a Container: To stop the drug from leaking or spilling, place it in a sealable bag, an empty can, or another container. 

• Throw Away the Container: Place the sealed container with the mixture into your trash at home.

• Remove Personal Information: Empty pill bottles or medical packaging should have the prescription label scratched off to make the personal information illegible before being discarded.

4. Special Instructions for Certain Medicines:

Certain medicines, due to their potential for abuse or because they can be fatal in small amounts, have specific disposal directions indicating they should be flushed down the sink or toilet when take-back options aren’t readily available. Always check the medicine’s label or patient information sheet.

5. Recycling Inhaler Products:

Inhalers are not to be thrown into regular trash due to the risk of explosion if they are punctured or exposed to heat. Some inhaler manufacturers have recycling and recovery programs. Ask your pharmacist or check the inhaler packaging.

6. Protecting Your Privacy:

Medicine bottles often bear sensitive personal details. It's crucial to recognize the potential privacy risks they pose. Before discarding these bottles, always take a moment to either scratch out or carefully remove labels displaying your name, prescription number, and any other identifiable data.

7. Raise Awareness:

It's essential to inform family, friends, and the broader community about the significance of properly disposing of medicines. Sharing this knowledge helps prevent potential health and environmental hazards. By spreading awareness, you play a pivotal role in fostering a more secure and environmentally-conscious community.  

8. Consider Alternatives:

If you find yourself regularly with leftover medications:

• Discuss with Your Doctor: Sometimes it's possible to receive smaller quantities of a prescription to determine if a medication is effective or has side effects before getting a larger quantity.

• Medicine Reviews: Regularly review medicines with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you still need them or if doses need adjusting.

Wrapping it up:  

While the improper disposal of medicines can pose significant health and environmental risks, solutions are readily available. By understanding and using safe disposal methods, such as drug take-back programs or proper household trash disposal techniques, and incineration. We can ensure a safer environment and community. Always think twice before flushing medicines or throwing them in the trash, and let’s contribute to a safer and cleaner world.