Prevent Pollution and Addiction: Dispose of Medicine Properly
By Sara Verrillo, Digital Media Specialist
Disposing of medicine safely is an integral part of
preventing both pollution and addiction.
According to a recent article,
“more Americans are dying from opioids than at any time in recent history.” As rates of addiction continue to rise, it’s
more important than ever to ensure proper steps are taken to dispose of
medicine safely.
The Best Disposal
Method
The safest and most environmentally friendly way to dispose
of medication is through local take-back and drop-off programs that are
available at local police stations.
Click
here to see drop box locations in Atlantic County.
Medicine dropped off here is securely monitored and later destroyed
using high-temperature incineration at a permitted facility.
Residents are encouraged to dispose of all unused or expired
pills, capsules, patches and even pet medicine. Please do not bring liquid
medication or syringes to these drop-off boxes.
What’s
Wrong with Flushing?
Medicine shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because it
pollutes our waterways. In an
EPA study of water cleaned by 50 wastewater treatment facilities in the U.S.,
scientists found compounds from many popular medications. Ratios were low enough that they wouldn’t
affect human life, but the evidence shows they are polluting the water and disturbing aquatic life.
How About the
Trash?
When thrown in the garbage, medication is susceptible to
being found and used by others. It can also breakdown in the landfill and eventually
contaminate groundwater. Placing medicine in the trash should be a last resort
when take-back programs are not available. If using this method, the Department
of Environmental Protection recommends following these steps:
- Keep medicine in
the original container. Mark out any personal information on prescription bottles.
- Mix liquid
medicine with undesirable substances like coffee grinds, cat litter or
dirt. Dilute pills with water then mix with coffee grinds, cat litter or
dirt.
- Place bottles in
an opaque container or wrap in dark colored plastic.
- Hide the container
in the trash. Do NOT recycle.
Get a
Drop-Box in Your Town
Join Together Atlantic
County has been helping to place safe disposal boxes in police departments
and municipal buildings throughout the county and can provide them to any interested
Atlantic County town for free. Please contact program coordinator Brian Wilson for more information.