FAQs About Proper Disposal of Drugs
Flushing is no longer the preferred
way to dispose of unwanted drugs.
Disguise and put in the trash instead
We've been told it was best to flush medications in the past -
what has changed?
In the past, flushing was considered the best way to keep unused and unwanted medications from children, teenagers and others who might accidentally or intentionally ingest them. Due to increasing awareness about the potential effects of medications on aquatic life, the best way to dispose of drugs is in your trash (see "How To Dispose of Drugs Safely").
How long has it been known that there are pharmaceuticals
in our waters?
Some information about pharmaceuticals in our surface waters has been available for more than a decade. Recent advances in analytical chemistry have allowed researchers to detect pharmaceuticals in surface waters at much lower levels.
If prescriptions and other medications are expired, why should we be concerned that they might harm the environment?
Expired medicines and prescriptions may or may not be at full potency. Even if some of the expired products are not at full strength, they may still be potent enough to affect fish and other organisms.
Can anything be done to remove pharmaceuticals from surface waters?
In general, wastewater treatment plants are capable of removing some of the pharmaceuticals in the waste stream; however, they were not designed to remove these compounds. Due to the number of pharmaceuticals and the different types of wastewater treatment plants, it is difficult to know the performance of every plant with every pharmaceutical.
What happens to pharmaceuticals once they are discharged into the environment?
Some natural processes are able to break down or degrade these substances and/or dilute their concentrations. Animals and plants can consume or absorb pharmaceuticals and accumulate them in their tissues. More research is needed before we fully characterize what happens to pharmaceuticals in the environment.
Are these chemicals in our drinking water?
In general, concentrations of pharmaceuticals found in sources of drinking water were many times lower than therapeutic doses and well below levels associated with human health effects. Although a recent study showed the presence of pharmaceuticals in finished drinking water, the concentrations were less than or similar to concentrations in the source water and not considered a health risk.
For a household hazardous waste
collection to accept unwanted drugs,
a licensed pharmacist must be
present (Photo courtesy Northeast
Recycling Council)
Why don't most household hazardous waste collection (HHW)
days accept medications?
The collection of pharmaceuticals at a HHW event requires special staffing, including a licensed pharmacist who can identify, sort, and log the pharmaceuticals accepted. In addition, to ensure that controlled substances (narcotics) are properly disposed of, the collection must also occur separately from the other HHW and a law enforcement official must be present to take possession of those drugs.
Should I save my unused or unwanted medications for the next household hazardous waste collection day?
No. It is not recommended to accumulate medications unless a collection day is imminent. If you are awaiting a collection day, keep medicines in a secure place in your home out of reach of children. If a collection day is not available, dispose of them in the recommended manner when they are no longer needed..
