What is the best way to dispose of unused prescription drugs?

1. 72

   Kris Heeterposted 12 years ago

   What is the best way to dispose of unused prescription drugs?
   
   This may vary from state to state in the U.S. or may be different in other countries.
   (photo credit:   ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
   
   

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2. 62

   MissKrisCayllieposted 12 years ago

   I work in a pharmacy. The pharmacists here say to dispose it in kitty litter. Putting drugs down the toilet or sink eventually end up in the ocean. They did a study in new York a few years back.

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   FutureDrKateposted 12 years ago

   CVS usually has a bin at their pharmacy window to drop off the pills so they can dispose of them safely.  Good question though.  Drugs ending up in the water supply is a growing problem!

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4. 77

   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   I know in the UK that the safest way is to hand any unused drugs back to your local pharmacist. The pharmacist knows how to dispose of any kind of medications safely.

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5. 81

   Becky Katzposted 12 years ago

   In TN, they tell you to give them to the pharmacy and they dispose of them.

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6. 87

   pharmacistposted 12 years ago

   People should check with their local board of health.  Guidelines are not nationally mandated.
   
   Avoid the old "flushing" approach.
   
   I say "toss them in an empty milk or juice container, add some water to render them un-usable, then crush it and put it in the regular trash."
   
   If you have a cat, disolving them in a glass of water, then tossing this into used kitty litter woks well.
   
   Good question!

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7. 91

   jpcmcposted 12 years ago

   Proper disposal of medications is important for the safety of the household and of the environment.  Unfortunately, tossing them in the toilet is not always a sound solution.  Learn how to dispose unused or expired medications properly. read more

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8. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Crush and dissolve in vinegar, mix in a slurry of cat litter until hardened and dispose of in a sealed container. Do not dispose of in the trash or down the sink or toilet as this can cause the medication to enter and contaminate the water supply.

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      InterestCapturedposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Or just give them to your kids to sell to their friends

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9. 74

   smpharmposted 11 years ago

   Return any unwanted medications to your pharmacy for disposal. In Australia at least, we return them to our drug wholesalers, who incinerate them. This is the safest way as the drugs do not end up in rubbish bins or water supplies.

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10. 72

    Kris Heeterposted 11 years ago

    Thanks to all who have provided some great answers.  I just noticed last week on a visit to the hospital here in the U.S. (Indiana) that they have a safe disposal drop off.

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