What is the proper way to dispose of old medications?

Question

My fiance was cleaning out the medicine cabinet last night and threw out a bunch of old prescription bottles in the trash.

I was always told to flush old medications, but he said there are reports of certain medications being present in the public water supply (especially anti-depressants).  He said the water treatment plant doesn't necessarily remove medications and such from the water (something about it being too expensive).

I said throwing the medications away as is can't be safe, either.  I mean, if the bottle accidentally opens and an animal gets in it, that can't be good.  Not only that, but what about "dumpster divers"?  Last thing I'd want is someone ODing on my old meds, and then have them turn around and sue me because I inadvertently provided the medications.

So what is the proper safe way to dispose of old medications, prescription or otherwise?

Barkley Hound · Accepted Answer

Bring them to a pharmacy and they can dispose them.

porkchop · Answer

Don't flush them, your fiance is right.  Water treatment plants don't remove these things.  Take them to the pharmacy, I'm sure they have to dispose of old medicines frequently.

Anonymous · Answer

Flush it down the lavatory. If it relatively is over the counter meds you are able to toss in the trash, yet something prescription i could say flush. the way waste water is taken care of removes many contaminants. i would not hardship a pair of few pharmaceuticals in the water.

zarem · Answer

Flush them!  The dirty water from the waste plant is   not going to get into your drinking water

Ichiban · Answer

I recently took my prescription leftovers to our local pharmacy (CVS) and they were happy to take them for disposal.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm pretty sure the potty is fine. There's a lot of stuff in sewage way worse than meds. That stuff has to get purified pretty darn well, I think.

slickcut · Answer

I just always flushed mine down the tolet

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What is the proper way to dispose of old medications?

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