What to do with expired or unused medication? The American Pharmacist Association (APhA) does not recommend flushing expired or unused medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain, as they have the potential to contaminate water supplies. Instead, the association advises crushing or dissolving medications in liquid and mixing them with kitty litter or coffee grounds, and then placing in a sealed trash bag. Also remember to remove personal identification from any bottles.
In addition, check for community waste days where you may be able to bring your unused medications to be disposed.
Dr. Steven Sheaffer, Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, states that public medication disposal systems, where medications can be safely incinerated are 'the ideal scenario'. Until that becomes a reality, you can follow the above tips to safely dispose of unused medications and help keep our water supplies clean.
