How to Dispose of Medicines Properly
DON ’ T : Flush expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so .
DO : Return unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs to a drug take-back program or follow the steps for household disposal below .
1ST CHOICE : DRUG TAKE-BACK EVENTS
To dispose of prescription and over-the-counter drugs , call your city or county government ’ s household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug take-back program is available in your community . Some counties hold household hazardous waste collection days , where prescription and over-the-counter drugs are accepted at a central location for proper disposal .
2ND CHOICE : HOUSEHOLD DISPOSAL STEPS *
Drug Take-Back Event
Courtesy : Upper Watauga Riverkeeper and Appalachian Voices
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 the mixture into a disposable container with a lid , such as an empty 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 permanent marker or duct tape , or by scratching it off .
5 . The sealed container with the drug mixture , and the empty drug containers , can now be placed in the trash .
* Drug Disposal Guidelines , Office of National Drug Control Policy , October 2009
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