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CDC Flu Prevention Advice |
DISPOSING OF PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) DRUGS
Properly disposing of unwanted medications may be inconvenient, but there are important reasons to do this in a responsible way.
Drugs that are flushed down the toilet or the sink cannot be removed by sewage treatment plants or septic system processes. This can lead to substances being released into waterways leading to contamination of surface and ground water. Recent research shows that drugs in waterways is having a serious negative impact on fish and other aquatic life. Some medications can even corrode indoor plumbing.
Even just tossing unwanted or outdated drugs into your trashcan doesn't mean they'll necessarily be disposed off safely. Pets, children and scavenging animals could find the medication and swallow it. They could even be sold illegally.
Storing unused or outdated drugs can create a danger of illicit drug use. Recent reports suggest that one in five teens intentionally misused someone else's prescription drugs to get high. Nearly half of these admit to getting these from family or friends - either free or through theft.
A better choice is to check with your local police department to see if they have a drug collection program or with your local council to see if there is a household hazardous waste program that collects medications.
If no collection options exist, do the following:
- Remove all labels from prescription bottles;
- Mix unused drugs with wet coffee grounds, moist kitty litter, or other undesirable substance. Make sure it is thoroughly mixed, and then;
- Place this mixture in a sealed container and put it in your trash on the day of pick-up.
If you would like further information, please visit any of the following websites:
www.MedicationDisposal.utah.gov
www.toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc.html
www.drugfree.com/Parent/Resources/Prescription_Medication_Misuse
www.tooelehealth.org |
