Will the DEA ever start a recycling program for empty prescription bottles?

Question

Will the DEA ever start a recycling program for empty prescription bottles?

Answer 1

I usually just take the label off and throw them into the recycling bin ... they have the recycle icon on them, so I don't know why the DEA would do what you suggest.

Answer 2

Hmmm...why wouldn't they be recyclable now?  I mean you've got your can bins, paper bins, and plastic bins, wouldn't you just rip off the presription and put the plastic bottle in the plastic bin?

Answer 3

This is a bigger question because of the toxicity associated with pharmaceuticals. Every thing that is foreign to your body is an invader and produces an immune response.

These pill bottles have residue and products that should be recycled as medical waste. Drug makers mark up products thousands of percent and they are so wealthy they can influence education as well as the medical industry. Why aren't they paying for their poisons to be taken out of the environment responsibly.

People dump prescriptions down the toilet without understanding that waste water will be treated, the chemicals will not be removed and they will go downstream into the oceans. It means we are drinking it and eating it.

Go to http://www.thermoguy.com/globalwarming-h... and click on the study on polluted newborns at the top part of the page. The toxicity ratio was 100%, how does a baby that has never taken a breath get banned pesticides inside them? Mom drank it, ate it and passed it to a fetus that can't protect itself.

Very good question

Answer 4

My question is why would Drug Enforcement Administration be involved in starting a recyling program for empties?  That is not in their purview.  Most recycling is a local issue and should be addressed by local municipalities.  DEA in my opinion has many more priorities that need addressing, like, for example, did the right person use the drugs that came from the bottles?

Answer 5

in my place we dont wait for a recycling program coz some people are already buying it for about $0.10 apiece and as far as i can remember its been for more than a decade now, maybe this could initiate some sort of entrepeneurship in you by buying from some household and reselling these empty Rx bottles to Pharmaceutical or other retail companies which may need it??? Just dont forget me if this venture works, OK?

Answer 6

Check with your pharmacy - a lot of them have recycle programs now where you can return your old bottles.

Answer 7

I've always wondered why someone didn't come up with a recycling plan for them.  I think it's such a waste to just throw the bottles away, but there is only so many you can reuse for yourself.  My husband and I go through about 8 bottles a month, and they still look like new because all they had in them was a few pills that basically have no odor or anything. I don't understand why the drugstore won't let you use them for your refills. Some of us have no recycling programs in our area. A very good question!!!

Answer 8

Most Rx bottles have the #2 in the triangle embossed in the bottom.  In most communities, that is a recyclable grade of plastic (either PETE or HDPE, I don't remember which) but it is the same stuff your laundry detergent bottles are made of.  They already CAN be recycled --just try to get the label off.  I've noticed these days, however, they have labels that can't be easily removed.  If that's the case, try to just get your name and address off of it or scratch it out with black magic marker (or soak it overnight).

I've also re-used quite a lot of mine to hold craft supplies, nails, tacks, and other dry goods you don't put in your mouth.