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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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March 30, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Disposing of Medications and Equipment Used in the Home
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 can call QVHD, 248-4528 or
request on line, www.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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