What is the proper way to dispose of old medications?

Question

I have heard when flushing it all of the accumulating medications make the fish sick, is this so?

Answer 1

I used to flush all meds down the toilet, but that's really polluting. My niece that works in a pharmacy told me to peel off the labels, add water and flour in the bottle - then put the bottle in a bag or a container so it doesn't leak and off to the trash. That way nobody can ever use the meds and you're not hurting the environment.

Answer 2

Flush it down the toilet. If it's over the counter meds you can toss in the trash, but anything prescription I'd say flush. The way waste water is treated removes many contaminants. I wouldn't worry about a few prescription drugs in the water.

Answer 3

Working in healthcare, the only way medicines should be discarded is returning the unused portions to the pharmacy. They will then track how much has been used and will destroy the rest. Destroying means placing the medicines in a container similar to a sharps container and when there is sufficient waste, place in an incinerator. This way no one can access the unused medicines and use them.

If you throw them in the bin, you may be helping a "junkie" get their next fix. (particularly with medicines with Codeine!)

Answer 4

No. The stuff you flush down the toilet or pour down the sink would typically go to a sewage treatment plant if you're in the united states. We don't just dump waste into the ocean any more.

Answer 5

I have heard on the news, that the best way is to take it to your local paharmacy and they will properly dispose of it. As for the fish part I have no idea.

Answer 6

Bring it to your pharmacy or any pharmacy for the disposal of old medications. They have proper means of disposing medications.

Answer 7

No this is not true, by the time it gets to the treatment plant and is mixed with the other "stuff" there and goes from the treatment plant to the discharge point it is not in a strong enough dose to harm the environment or eco system.

Answer 8

Some drug stores have it where you can donate old medication to someone who doesn't have money to buy them. Or just flushing it down the toliet if not.

Answer 9

take it to the pharmacy. They have programs to dispose of old medications properly.

Answer 10

do no longer flush them, your fiance is sweet. Water scientific care plant life do no longer eliminate those issues. Take them to the drugstore, i'm optimistic they ought to get rid of previous drugs often.