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Why Not Flush?

• Flushed medications can get into our lakes, rivers and streams. Research has shown that continuous exposure to low levels of medications has altered the behavior and physiology of fish and aquatic organisms.

Pharmaceuticals enter our wastewater from a variety of sources, including the flushing of unused medications. A nationwide study done in 1999 and 2000 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids in 80% of the rivers and streams tested.

• Contact the Prescription Monitoring Program at (860) 713-6073 or visit the household drug take back program web page to find out if there is an event taking place near you. While waiting for a collection event, keep all medications in a safe, secure place in your home out of reach of children.
  • If your business or organization is interested in establishing a household drug take back program, the Household Drug Take Back Planning Guide (pdf, 146KB) will provide you with all the information you need.
    • Sample Fillable Flyer to promote a drug disposal event (pdf, 159KB)
    • Sample controlled substance inventory sheet (pdf, 7KB)
    • Sample non-controlled substance inventory sheets (pdf, 7KB)

• If there is no collection event in your area, dispose of drugs in your household trash by doing the following:

  • Keep the medication in its original container. Use a permanent marker or duck tape to cross out your personal information, or remove the label.

  • Make medication less appealing. Mix your drugs (liquid or pills) with hot water to dissolve them. Add an undesirable substance, such as salt, ashes, saw dust, used coffee grounds or kitty litter.

  • Contain and seal. Place it inside a container such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub to ensure that the contents cannot be seen and tape it shut.

  • Throw out the container in your trash can. Do not put the container in your recycling bin!

Additional Resources:

• What Parents Need to Know About Prescription Drugs (pdf, 278KB)
• How to Dispose of Prescription Medicines and Over-the-Conter Products (pdf, 64KB)