PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG DISPOSAL

In 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled 139 streams in 30 states. 80% had measurable concentrations of prescription and non-prescription drugs, steroids, and reproductive hormones. Long-term health effects on marine life and humans are not yet determined, but it is clear that we need to take action to keep pharmaceuticals out of the water.
DO NOT flush and pour drugs down the drain as pharmaceuticals can pass through wastewater treatment facilities and go into our local waterways.

What are pharmaceuticals?
Pharmaceuticals are prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or nutritional supplements intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans or animals.

What should I do with my expired or unused pharmaceuticals?
While there are no laws that forbid households from putting pharmaceutical waste in household trash, here are some tips in making this a last resort:

1. Determine if your pharmaceutical waste is a controlled (doctor prescribed) or non-controlled substance (all over-the-counter) by going to the Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to view the lists of controlled substances

2. Non-controlled substances that are not expired or unused can be sent directly to World Medical Relief for use in their prescription program for Seniors and overseas medical missions:
World Medical Relief, 11745 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit, MI 58206
World Medical Relief

3. A statewide take-back system is in development. In the meantime residents should participate in local pharmaceutical drop-off events or call your recycling coordinator.

4. As a last resort, pharmaceuticals can be disposed in the trash but please use the following guidelines:

LIQUIDS
Empty Liquid medication onto absorbent paper towels or rags and dispose of with your regular trash.

PROPELLENT INHALERS
Empty container by expelling all propellant. Dispose of small empty cylinder in trash.

PILLS
Capsules and tablets should be made unusable and unattractive by wetting, breaking and crushing. The remains should be placed in the original childproof container with all your personal information removed, sealed with tape and tossed in the trash. Or mixed with decaying food, coffee grounds, or kitty litter then placed in your household trash.