Disposing of old medicine properly?

Question

I had heard on the news and from other websites that it is a big no no to throw medications away in the trash or to be flushed down the toilet. They said if we throw them in the trash they can just get into the ground then into the water supply, and flushing them in the toilet will also risk putting in our water supply.

They said to take them to the pharmacy because they have a way of properly disposing them. I tried that and my pharmacy had the nerve to tell me to flush them down the toilet.

Anyone know of how to dispose of them properly or maybe a company that u can mail it to that does that kind of thing?

Answer 1

When I was a C.M.T.(medication technician), the nurses always disposed of them down the sink. I have no idea if it was a safe way but that was the regulations of the Dept. of Nursing.

Answer 2

They have not worked out a system. The pharmacy has no better way to do the job, they cannot dispense something that has left their control.

Drugmakers do not have to consider the ecological effects of their products. The human body does mostly the same reactions that the bacteria would in the sewer or treatment plant. So taken or not, they usually end up the same way.

Answer 3

How dangerous it is to flush or throw away does depend on what the medication is, but your pharmacy should not be telling you that--they should accept and dispose of them for you.  If there's a reason that they're not a danger if you dispose of them at home, they should explain that to you clearly.

If there's not another pharmacy near you, try your doctor's office or hospital where they deal with medical waste products.

Answer 4

You should take them to a clinic.