How can I dispose of prescription drugs safely?
Barbara Asked:
After a lengthy illness I have many left over prescription drugs that are no longer needed. How can I dispose of these drugs in an environmentally responsible manner?
We Found:
Many people are told to flush their prescriptions down the toilet through word of mouth. To properly dispose of your unused drugs please follow the instructions below.
- Take unused, unneeded or expired prescription medicine out of its original container.
- Mix drugs with coffee grounds, flour, kitty litter or any other unappetizing substance. This will stop curious children or pets from consuming the medication.
- Crush pills and dissolve them in water before mixing them with the coffee grounds, salt or other substances
- Pour the mixture into an impermeable container, such as an empty can, yogurt container or sealable plastic bag.
- Black-out your name and other identifying information on the prescription bottle before you throw it away ( recycle it!)
- Throw the container or bag into the trash.
If the patient-information sheet recommends flushing the medication, skip these steps and drop the medicine in the toilet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages that for about a dozen drugs, including OxyContin and Percocet. That list is updated regularly. Find it by going to www.ondcp.gov/ and clicking on “Stop Prescription Drug Abuse.“
For all other medications, follow the wrap-and-trash guidelines. But know that other groups recommend additional steps
If you aren’t sure how you’re supposed to throw away your prescription medication, ask your pharmacist.
If available, dispose of your medication at a drug take-back program.
