Disposing of Prescription Medicines and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products

It is important that we understand the proper way in which to dispose of our medications.  Do not flush prescription medicines or OTC products down the sink or toilet!  Although using the toilet or sink prevents someone from accidentally taking the medications, disposing of them in this way causes water pollution and has adverse effects on septic systems, sewage treatment plants, fish and other aquatic wildlife. Trace amounts of all kinds of drugs have also been found in some drinking water supplies because they pass through septic systems and sewage plants untreated. 

Consumers have several options for disposing of prescription medications and OTC products safely. Remember to follow these instructions for pet medications, too!  By using these options, you will protect your privacy, discourage unintended consumption of the drugs and protect our water. 

• Lee’s Pharmacy in Keosauqua can Take Back non-controlled medications for disposal.  They are currently checking into being certified to take back controlled substances by the end of the year.  People can discard their unwanted or unused medicines any time the pharmacy is open. People do not need to complete forms or answer questions about the items they drop off. (Needles are not accepted.)
• The Fairfield Hy-Vee Pharmacy can Take Back non-controlled substances for disposal.  They also will be able to take back controlled substances for disposal in the near future. People can discard their unwanted or unused medicines any time the pharmacy is open. People do not need to complete forms or answer questions about the items they drop off. (Needles are not accepted.)
• The Mt. Pleasant police station now has a Drop Box Drug Disposal program. People can discard their unwanted or unused medicines in this special locked box any time the police department lobby is open. Residents do not need to complete forms or answer questions about the items they drop off. (Needles or liquid medications are not accepted.)
• Bring them to a special collection sponsored by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Reserve Officers and the SAFE Coalition. These are scheduled annually. (Medicines are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste collections.)
• Schools that want to dispose of controlled substances should call the Drug Control Division of the CT Dept. of Consumer Protection for assistance at 860-713-6065.

Tips for Reducing the Need for Medicine and OTC Disposal: If possible, ask your doctor to give you a smaller amount of a prescription or a sample of a drug that you are taking for the first time to see if it works for you. This may save you money and will also eliminate the need for throwing the drug away if it doesn’t work for you. Do the same for animal prescriptions.  Look at the expiration date on OTC products. Will you be able to use all of it before the product expires? If not, maybe a smaller amount will do.  Look into mail-back programs for sharps. The Sustainable Hospitals website has a list of companies that provide sharps containers.

Products	Best Way To Dispose
Chemotherapy drugs	Some chemotherapy drugs may have special disposal requirements. Ask your health care provider about proper disposal.
Mercury thermometers	Bring to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection or call your town’s recycling contact or public works. DO NOT put the thermometer in your trash. Find an HHW collection date and location nearest you.  Learn how to safely clean-up a broken mercury thermometer.
Sharps (needles and lancets)	Look into mail back programs or check with your local hospital or pharmacist.

For more information on the disposal of medications please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412 or info@vbsafecoalition.com.