Proper Disposal of Pharmaceuticals

by Tristan E. Ragsdale

Do you have old, outdated potent pharmaceutical drugs lying around your medicine chest? Would you like to dispose of them in the most ecologically sound manner? Would you like to learn more about your options of disposal and their effects on the environment and society?

According to the Associated Press: “For the first time, [a study shows that it appears] more than half of all insured Americans are taking prescription medicines regularly.” Disposing of outdated medicines can be an important part of keeping your children healthy, our ecosystem clear from harmful chemicals, and eliminating confusion over taking prescription drugs in the home.

In 2002 the USGS published the results of its first-ever investigations of man-made contaminants. Utilizing highly sensitive assays, the agency located “traces of 82 different organic contaminants -- fertilizers and flame retardants as well as pharmaceuticals -- in surface waters across the nation.” More specifically some of these drugs included natural and synthetic hormones sourced from human birth control pills, antibiotics, antihypertensives, painkillers, and antidepressants.

In addition to ecological harm wrought by introducing human medicines into the ecosystem, prescription drugs can fall into the wrong hands because of children selling prescription drugs at schools. Recent reports state that teenagers are packaging drugs stolen from parents medicine cabinets and selling them at school.

According to About.com, the federal government has guidelines on properly disposing of prescription drugs to prevent possible ecological damage and from having the drugs falling into the wrong hands. Aside from contacting a medical provider regarding proper disposal, the guidelines include:

• Remove drugs from original container so that the original highly noticeable yellow containers and personal information cannot be stolen from landfills or garbage cans.
• Mix drugs in garbage with undesirable trash such as kitty litter, conditioner, or used coffee grinds to prevent garbage theft.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection agency is currently researching the effects of prescription drugs on waterways.
• Do not (unless otherwise specified) flush prescription drugs down the toilet.

Here in the Chico local area pharmacists recommend following the above guidelines, or you may contact Dr. Phyllis Cullen at 891-0325 to participate in Project Save. Project Save collects outdated and used prescription drugs so they may be sent and used in third world countries.

Properly disposing of unwanted prescription drugs has many effects on our planet’s future, our children’s health and wellbeing, as well as protecting your privacy. Please follow the above guidelines for proper disposal techniques, the Earth and our future generations may depend on it!

From the Spring 2010 issue of the Environmental News.