In the past, it was commonplace to take old, unwanted, or unused medications (both prescription and over-the-counter drugs) and simply flush them down the toilet, wash them down the drain, or toss them in the trash.
But given the toxic nature of some of these substances, these disposal methods have proved to be unsafe for many reasons including damage to the water supply. Additionally, improper drug disposal might lead to these medications to falling into the wrong hands, and can increase the possibility that these substances could be abused.
A safer alternative
In response to the growing opioid epidemic seen throughout the United States, both local and national organizations are joining forces to help residents rid their homes of unwanted medications legally, safely, and easily. For example, Drug Takeback Programs like the one in Sioux Falls South Dakota offer a means of disposing of harmful substances and unused medications in a locked container in the lobby of the Law Enforcement Center. These local programs are designed to keep both medical waste and potential substances of abuse out of homes throughout the community.
Additionally, the large pharmacy chain, Walgreens, is offering drug disposal services at hundreds of locations throughout the country. Walgreens is also working to make preventative education about opioid abuse more readily available to the public, and to reduce the stigma that often makes it difficult for individuals to participate in drug takeback programs.
Raising awareness
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has played a major role in encouraging safe drug disposal programs with their October 22nd National Prescription Drug Takeback Day.
The national event is spreading the word about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, and has inspired individual communities to create takeback programs of their own which encourage citizens to take an active role in the fight against overdose. For example, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Canton, South Dakota recently created a local event to allow residents to anonymously dispose of medications that they wish to remove from their homes. This was the twelfth event of its kind in a six year period in Canton.
Even if you have not had a personal struggle with prescription medication abuse, it is still wise to dispose of any unwanted or unneeded medications in a safe way. Given the increasing options for safe drug disposal, it is likely that there is an upcoming takeback event in your area.
However, if this is not the case, the City of Sioux Falls recommends adhere to the following Federal guidelines for safe disposal of medications and other drugs into the regular trash:
- Leave prescription medications in the original container. Then, take off any identifying information from the bottle but leave medication information clearly visible.
-
- For Solid Medications—add a small amount of water to partially dissolve them and follow the instructions for liquids below.
- For Liquid Medications—add an unappetizing substance such as table salt, cat litter, coffee grounds, charcoal, or non-toxic powdered spice to make a pungent, unpleasant concoction.