How to Properly Toss Leftover Medications

In an effort to ensure the public awareness and prevent environmental hazards brought about by disposing leftover medications, the government is implementing guidelines on the proper ways to do so. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic container
• Cat litter
• Coffee grounds
• Dog waste

1. Avoid flushing unused medications or drugs down the toilet. Do so only if that is expressly advised on the prescription label.
2. Crush or dissolve leftover medications in a little water then mix it with cat litter, coffee grounds, or dog waste in a sealed plastic bag or any unmarked container then put in the trash. Doing so can aid in its disintegration.
3. Before throwing away your prescription container, remove any label or any personal identifying marks before throwing it away. This is because it may land in hands of “junkies” and they will use your prescription to fake requests and then possibly abuse them.
4. Call your local pharmacies or environmental or hazardous waste collection sites to see if they run “take-back” programs. Get the information and then follow instructions on how to send them.

Tips & Warnings

• Store prescriptions in a safe location out of reach of children.