Safe Prescription Medication Disposal: Protecting Our Water Supply

After years of prescription drugs being dumped into sinks and toilets, public drinking water supplies are becoming polluted with traces of toxic and dangerous drugs. A growing list of medications, including sex hormones, antibiotics, anti-depressants and more, is finding its way into the water supply. Proper disposal is a serious challenge to the environment. Benjamin H. Grumble, Assistant Administrator for Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, told AP, "We recognize it is a growing concern and we're taking it very seriously."

Things You'll Need

• Kitty litter
• Coffee grounds
• Coffee can
• Duct tape

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Put moist kitty litter or used coffee grounds into a plastic bag or an empty coffee can.

• 2

  Place unused pills or pour liquid medications into the bag or coffee can with the kitty litter or coffee grounds. Remove any personal identification from the empty pill bottles, and put them into the bag or coffee can as well.

• 3

  Seal the bag or coffee can with duct tape. Place it in a garbage bag, and put it outside with your other trash. Do not recycle.