The Proper Disposal of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

The effect of improper disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications has become an emerging issue in environmental and medical discussions. Numerous articles have been written concerning the adverse effects of improper disposal, such as flushing these items or disposing them down a drain. The adverse effects can include pathogen resistance to antibiotics and human endocrine system disruption. Given these potential dangers, proper disposal is of great importance.

Most drugs can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take certain precautions before tossing them out. A few drugs should be flushed down the toilet. Do not flush prescription and over-the-counter medications down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.

The National Office of Drug Policy provides the following guidelines to properly dispose of medications that are expired, or otherwise unneeded:

1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3. Put this mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty coffee can, margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash.

For safe disposal of sharps (needles), the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority will provide residents with a free Safe ClipTM , a portable device that clips and stores up to 1,500 needles.   Once full, the device may be placed in your regular trash.  For more information, please call their office at 397-9968, or visit their website at www.lcswma.org.