Don't know where or how to dispose of your unused medication? Read on and find out how!
If you went to your medicine cabinet right now and took out
only the medications you use frequently, what would you be left with? If you’re
anything like me you probably have that antibiotic you didn’t finish two years
ago or that pain medication you picked up when you had your root canal last
spring.
Many times we end up placing our
unwanted medications in our medicine cabinets, creating a potentially dangerous
graveyard of medication. In the past we
were told to throw them out with coffee grounds or flush them down the
toilet. While effective, these methods are considered unsafe. There are new
methods in place to safely dispose of your unwanted medication.
<Photo courtesy of
houstonherald.com>
Cleaning
Up Your Wasteland
What
medication is accepted?
First, we need to determine which kinds of medication and
prescriptions are accepted at medication disposal sites.
Accepted
Prescription medication (tablets, liquids, creams)
Over-the-counter medication (vitamins, pain reliever)
Inhalers
Nebulizer solution
Not Accepted
IV Bags
Oxygen Tanks
Nebulizers
Schedule II Medications (Morphine, Adderall®) *varies by
location
To dispose of any items not listed above you should contact
your disposal site to see what is accepted.
Where
Do I Take Unwanted Medication?
Surprisingly, there are many ways you can dispose of your
unwanted medication in a safe and effective way. In fact, most local Police Departments will
take your unwanted medication at any time. They will either have a drop box
where you can drop them off, or they will take them and drop them off for you. Some cities and counties have organized events
dedicated to medication disposal where you can bring your unwanted medications
to a specific location at a specific time.
Will
My Local Hometown Pharmacy Dispose of my Medication?
Yes, of course! Each Hometown pharmacy is equipped to safely
and effectively dispose of your medication. Simply bring your unwanted
medication to any Hometown Pharmacy and tell your pharmacist you would like to
dispose of them. If you do not live near
a Hometown Pharmacy you can find a disposal site near you by visiting www.disposemymeds.org. It really is that simple.
Now go forth and make your medicine cabinet a clean, safe
place.
