In the past, flushing medication down the toilet or the sink had been recommended because it was quick and easy. Scientists are finding antibiotics, hormones and other drugs in sewer lines and waterways, so alternate methods of disposal are now recommended.
To find the safe way to dispose of medications and OTC products go to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s webpage: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/P2/Individual/Disposing-of-Prescription-Medicines-and-OvertheCounter-OTC-Products.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection also provides a list of local drug collections sponsored by local police departments, see list here and other information: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Prescription-Monitoring-Program/Proper-Disposal-of-Prescription-Drugs
Other Resources:
FDA, United States Food and Drug Administration:
http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm
Dispose My Meds: http://www.disposemymeds.org/
Chemotherapy Drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs may have special disposal requirements. Ask your health care provider about proper disposal.
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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
PREPARED BY: 211/mm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: October2023