So you read my blog about getting rid of expired medications and you are ready for a clean out. Good for you! Now what? Down the drain, garbage can, flush it? Nope, let’s keep it out of the waterways!
According to www.medicinereturn.com, The U.S. Geological Survey tested 139 streams throughout the U.S. for the presence of 95 chemicals in 1999-2000 and found:
- 80% of streams contained 1 + of these chemicals
- 50% of streams contained 7 + chemicals
- 34% of streams contained 10 + chemicals
Of these 95 chemicals:
- 33 are known or suspected to be hormonally active
- 46 are pharmaceutically active (have the ability to affect living matter)
So, what to do?
- Go to www.earth911.com, click on Hazardous, then click on Medications. Type in your zip code and find out where you can deliver your unused medications.
- You can also see if your local pharmacy or hospital has a take-it-back program.
- Another option may be your local hazardous waste drop off location.
Keep your medicine cabinet and the water supply safe by parting with old medications properly.
