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Medicine
(IV bags, Vials, Ampoules, Chemotherapy Drugs, Medication, Prescription Drugs, Pharmaceuticals, Pills)
Not Accepted At Hennepin County Facilities.
Expired or unwanted medications from households have traditionally been disposed by flushing them down the toilet or drain. Although this disposal method may prevent accidental ingestion, it can pollute wastewater, which causes adverse effects to fish and other aquatic wildlife. When the water is eventually reused, it can also cause unintentional human exposure to chemicals in the medications.
The United States Geologic Survey has gathered sampling data to confirm the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment and the United States Environmental Protection Agency has compiled information on potential environmental impacts.
Disposal
Unused prescription or over-the-counter medications must be disposed of properly to prevent harm. Most household medications can be placed in the garbage. Do not flush medications down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. For information on drugs that should be flushed in order to get rid of them immediately, visit the FDA’s website.
Chemotherapy drugs may require special handling. Work with your healthcare provider on proper disposal for this type of medication.
Disposing of medications at home
Most medications may be disposed of in your garbage. Follow these precautions to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion.
1. Keep the medication in its original package. The labels may contain safety information and the caps are often childproof. On prescriptions, scratch the patient’s name or write over it with a permanent marker.
2. Modify the medication to discourage consumption.
· For solid medications, such as pills or capsules: add a small amount of water to partially dissolve them.
· For liquid medications: add enough table salt, flour, charcoal, or spice such as turmeric or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from ingesting it.
· For blister packs, drug patches, creams, unused ampoules, vial and IV bags: wrap the package in multiple layers of duct or other opaque tape to prevent leakage and obscure the contents.
3. Seal and conceal. Wrap the medication container in packing or duct tape, and then place it inside an opaque bag or container to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.
4. Discard the container in your garbage can—do not place it in your recycling bin.