"The unfortunate reality when it comes to drug disposal is that many consumers don’t know the right way to discard their old prescriptions. Many forget about existing drugs in the home, while others opt to flush or throw away their unwanted pharmaceuticals. The result is often pills that end up in landfills, the water supply or in the hands of a child or potential abuser.
Improper prescription disposal can lead to drugs leaching into the water system. In recent years, a number of pharmaceutical-related chemicals have been found in waterways across the country and even in our drinking water
When a take back option is not easily available, there are two ways to dispose of medicines at home, depending on the drug.
When old drugs are left insecurely in a home rather than disposed of properly after their use, it’s easy for children or pets to get access to them and face accidental poisoning.
Separate biohazardous and non-hazardous medical waste. True biohazardous waste is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as various other state and local agencies, and requires special and more rigorous handling.
Improper drug disposal can make it easy for would-be abusers to access medications that are no longer needed. With the opioid epidemic rising throughout the country, it’s more important than ever that drugs aren’t within easy reach of someone who might abuse them.
Many retailers and hospitals are joining in on community drug collection efforts by installing drug collection kiosks at convenient locations."
