"Operation Medicine Cabinet," held
on November 7, 2009, was a big success and led to the following
information on the safe disposal of medications.
GUIDELINES
FOR DISPOSAL OF MEDICATIONS
*** Do not flush unused medications and do not pour them down
a sink or drain unless specifically instructed to do so on the
prescription label.
1) Be proactive and dispose of unused medication in your household
trash
2)
Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is
a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc) crush the items and add a
small amount of water to dissolve them.
3)
Add coffee grounds, sawdust, kitty litter or any material that
mixes with the medication and will make it less appealing for
pets and children to eat.
4)
Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash.
5)
Be sure to remove and destroy all identifying personal information
(prescription label) from all medication containers.
6)
RECYCLE the plastic bottles
Check
for approved state and local collection programs such as Operation
Medicine Chest or other “take back” programs. We must
all address the safe disposal of medications and be aware of their
effect on human life, wildlife, lakes, rivers and streams throughout
our country. This issue is relevant to everyone’s personal
health and safety and to the protection of our environment.
