Do Not Flush Medications – Proper Disposal Methods Available
Going through my medicine cabinet a few days ago searching for a cold medication I haven’t used in a year, I came across a few bottles of expired medications, and some that we just don’t use any longer.
I packed them up in a bag and brought them to the pharmacy with me for disposal like I always do. It got me thinking about how in the past, it was common for people to wash old medicines down the sink or flush them in the toilet. Others would throw old medicines in the garbage, thinking this was a safe way to dispose of old or expired medication.
Recent studies have highlighted the impact of pharmaceutical waste on our environment. Traces of pharmaceutical waste have been found in our water systems (surface water, coastal water, groundwater, and drinking water) and soil. A US Geological study found prescriptions drug contaminants in 32% of their streams. Most scientists believe that the majority of this waste is just a by-product of those who consume the medications (as all of the active medication is not metabolized and is flushed from the body).
They also recognize that improper disposal of medications in water and garbage are contributing to the increasing concentrations found in the environment. Although the concentrations are very low there is concern that it may be leading to adverse effects on the environment and human health.