Leave Past Practices in the Past
Those who have worked in the I/DD sector for while may remember when simply flushing an unneeded medication down the toilet or throwing it in the garbage was perfectly acceptable. Today, as concerns about damage to the environment and drug diversion continue to increase, those practices are not only discouraged, but are often illegal.
Sewering
Disposing of unused prescription drugs used to be simple – just flush them down the toilet. But that changed in 2019 when the EPA banned “sewering” of unused drugs that are considered hazardous pharmaceutical waste. Sewering refers the practice of introducing waste directly into a sewer system by flushing drugs down a toilet or washing them down a sink. Part of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the ban is broad and covers all healthcare facilities, including those that provide care for individuals with I/DD. While the federal ban only applies to drugs classified as hazardous, the EPA recommends against sewering any drug. Also, some states and municipalities ban sewering for a broader list of drugs or ban the practice altogether.
Discarding in the Trash
Another former best practice was mixing drugs with an unpleasant substance, like used kitty litter, and throwing them in the trash. This approach was supposed to prevent discarded drugs from being found and diverted, but it proved to be ineffective. It also posed environmental concerns since drugs that end up in a landfill with other trash can find their way into ground water and contaminate our supply as well as harm wildlife.
So how can you safely and legally dispose of medications?
In part, it depends on the type of drug, especially if it’s considered hazardous or is classified as a controlled substance. Keep reading to learn more about what drugs are hazardous or controlled, and how best to dispose of unused prescription drugs.
Be sure to check local laws and regulations!
Local regulations are often stricter than federal law, so it's critical to understand the laws and regulations in your state, county, city, or town. If you have questions about local regulations, your pharmacy team can help.