Proper Disposal of Unwanted Drugs
Posted on June 22, 2011
HNE member Susan Bachelder wrote this article in response to the story we published in the last issue of Living Well for HNE Members, a reprint of information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. We value our members’ feedback and welcome the opportunity for Susan to provide a more eco-friendly solution to the problem of drug disposal.
HNE Editor
These days we use very specific medicines composed of chemical compounds, for very specific complaints. Gone are the days of chicken soup. Curing through medication, of both ourselves and our family pets, has become the norm. But it has led to a problem.
When the condition has been healed, we might still have medicine left. How do we get rid of the leftovers? This medicine was given to us for our unique complaint. Since these medications are time-sensitive, it is best to dispose of anything we have left. How?
You should not flush drugs down the toilet. Also, do not throw medicines away in the trash. The chemicals can pollute the ground or water systems and cause damage.
Also, you should not share your medications with friends, neighbors or other family members, knowingly or unknowingly. It is not safe for those you might be trying to help. And unfortunately, sometimes friends or family members may have dependency issues you may not know about. Leaving unused drugs in your bathroom cabinet may be a temptation to them.
Towns now understand these dangers and have started collection programs. The drugs are burned in controlled conditions where they cannot pollute. Check with your local Board of Health or Police and see if you have a collection policy. Many towns such as Egremont, Massachusetts, have an annual collection day hosted by their Green Committee and Board of Health. The Great Barrington, Massachusetts police station accepts any drugs; you can drop them off. Check with your local police department to see if they offer the same service. And don’t forget those old pet pills in the junk drawer. This is an easy green idea to protect the health of our community.
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