How to dispose of Medications
Do Not Flush or pour down the sink. This could lead to groundwater contamination. 80% of our rivers and streams have shown low levels of medications in the water.
Check to see if your pharmacy, recycling center or local municipality has a drug recycling program. If there are no take backs in your community, dispose of medication in your household trash by:
- Taking them out of the original container and mixing with an undesirable substance
- Such as ashes, dirt, kitty litter, or coffee grounds.
- Do Not conceal in food, scavengers could still consume it.
- Put the undesired mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or another container to prevent leakage.
Dr. Michael Coldwell, Jan. 11, 09, PoughKeepsiejournal.com, Keep Prescription Drugs Safe
Can You Throw Light Bulbs Away?
What do I do with a CFL light bulb when it burns out? And what is the proper disposal of a CFL bulb?
Follow these guidelines to dispose your CFL properly
Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. To find out what to do first check www.earth911.org (where you can find disposal options by using your zip code) or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for local disposal options. Another option is to check directly with your local waste management agency for recycling options and disposal guidelines in your community. Additional information is available at www.lamprecycle.org. (this link mentioned Home Depot and Hazardous Waste Management, for my area) Finally, IKEA stores take back used CFLs, and other retailers are currently exploring take-back programs.
If your local waste management agency offers no other disposal options except your household garbage, place the CFL in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the trash. If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options. Never send a CFL or other mercury-containing product to an incinerator.
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a two-year warranty. If the bulb fails within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.
Leave a Comment
It’s good to know that medications should not be thrown in the trash, as they can contaminate the local groundwater. I have some old medications from a surgery that I don’t need anymore. I will see if there is a pharmacy or recycling center nearby that can safely dispose of them. https://citydisposalinc.com/our-services/disposal/new-york-city
Thanks Lyla,
I’m glad you found my guide to be helpful!
Jill