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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 4, 2007 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Disposing of Medicines Safely
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
The days of flushing old
or unused medications down the toilet (or sink) are over! This applies
to both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The CT Department
of Environmental Protection has prepared a fact sheet on this topic. The
following information comes directly from that fact sheet.
Although using the toilet or sink prevents someone from accidentally
taking the medications, disposing of them in this way causes water
pollution and has adverse effects on septic systems, sewage treatment
plants, fish and other aquatic wildlife. Trace amounts of all kinds of
drugs have also been found in some drinking water supplies because they
pass through septic systems and sewage plants untreated.
The best way to dispose of prescription and OTC medications/products
is to put them in the trash. In CT, most of our trash is burned at
Resource Recovery Facilities at very high temperatures that destroy
these products. The following disposal instructions will protect your
privacy, discourage unintended consumption of the drugs and protect our
water. (This information applies to pet medications as well.)
- Keep the medication in its original container. Cross out
the patient name with a permanent marker, cover with duct tape or
remove the label.
- Modify the medicines to discourage consumption. For solid
medications, (pills or capsules) add a small amount of water to
partially dissolve them. For liquid medications, add salt, flour, or
a spice to make a pungent unsightly mixture that discourages anyone
from eating it. For blister packs, wrap the package in multiple
layers of duct or other opaque tape.
- Seal and conceal. Tape the medication container lid shut
with packing or duct tape. Place it inside a non-transparent bag or
container such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub to ensure that
the contents cannot be see. Do not conceal medicines in food
products because animals could inadvertently consume them.
- Discard the container in your trash can. DO NO PUT THE
CONTAINER IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN!
Proper and safe disposal applies to medical supplies as well:
- To dispose of ampoules, vials and IV bags: Do not empty
or open the bags. Wrap the container with tape to minimize breakage,
then place in an opaque plastic container, such as an empty yogurt
or margarine tub. Wrap the outside of the container or bag with
additional duct or shipping tape to prevent leakage to further
obscure the contents. Dispose of the container in the trash.
DO NOT PUT THE CONTAINER IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN!
- To dispose of chemotherapy drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs
have special requirements. Ask you health care provider about proper
disposal.
- To dispose of mercury thermometers: Bring to a household
hazardous waste collection center. DO NOT PUT THE THERMOMETER IN
YOUR TRASH!
- To dispose of sharps (needles and lancets): place in a
puncture-proof, hard plastic container with a screw-on cap, like a
bleach or detergent bottle. Seal the container with the original lid
and wrap with duct tape. Place the tightly sealed container in a bag
and put in your trash. DO NOT PUT THE CONTAINER IN YOUR RECYCLING
BIN! As an alternative, look into mail-back programs. There are also
devices sold at pharmacies that allow you to cut the needle off of a
syringe. Or you might consider purchasing syringes that have
retractable needles, although they are a little more expensive.
For information on mail-back programs and guidance for
managing broken mercury thermometers, District residents
(Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you
can request information online
or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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