Having discussed “expired” drugs in the previous two posts, this is a good time to address the proper disposal of medications.
Never Flush Medications Down the Toilet
Never.
The active ingredients in most drugs are too small to be filtered at water treatment plants. This results in drugs making their way into lakes, rivers. streams and even our drinking water supply.
Concern over water pollution caused by discarded drugs – and its potential for damage to the environment, wildlife, and even humans – is legitimate. There’s already plenty of evidence of the injurious effect it is having on aquatic life.
Since even “expired” drugs can retain nearly full potency for years, this should come as no surprise. And when you consider the volume of drugs that could make their way into bodies of water on a daily basis, it’s easy to see how flushing drugs can lead to an ecological disaster.
Drug “Take-Back” Programs
Take-back programs encourage people to drop off unused medications at designated locations – usually pharmacies, hospitals and law enforcement facilities. The drugs are then destroyed and discarded, keeping them out of the water and out of the hands of those inclined to abuse them.
Your local pharmacy and/or police department can provide information on take-back locations.
FDA and EPA Guidelines on Drug Disposal
In the absence of take-back programs, people are advised to mix uncrushed pills with an unpalatable agent (such as soil, used coffee grounds, or even cat litter). The mixture should then be placed in a sealable bag or container and discarded in the trash.
The present emphasis on thwarting drug thieves and addicts at the expense of common sense – and concern for the environment – is exemplified by current Food and Drug Administration guidelines on drug disposal. The FDA has a list of “flushable” drugs which, incredibly, include fentanyl patches.
By contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines denounce the flushing of drugs. Heed the EPA advice.
The Bottom Line
Never flush drugs!
Our present opioid crisis is terrible enough. There’s no need to turn fish into junkies, too.
Dispose of unused medications by taking advantage of take-back locations. Otherwise, put them in sealable bags and toss them in your trash. Don’t bother with unpalatable substances – anyone desperate enough to go through your trash in search of drugs won’t be dissuaded by kitty litter.
Photo by Jan Kolar / VUI Designer on Unsplash