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Judy HillWhat is the best way to dispose of leftover and outdated prescription drugs in our area?
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Ask Henry
Active forum topicsFreecycleDonateAct local, think global. Help support Concord Conserves.org and local environmental programs.
|
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Medical waste is a problem
Medical waste is a problem for the enviroment, particularly when we flush old medication into the water supply.
Unfortunately, Concord does not currently have a medical waste disposal day like some nearby towns. However, Concordnet.org suggests that you follow these steps for the least-harmful way to dispose of old medications.
1. Black out your name and prescription number for your privacy, but leave the prescription name on the original bottle for easy identification.
2. Add soda water to pills to begin dissolving them and add kitty litter or dirt to liquids to make them undrinkable.
3. Tape up the containers entirely with duct or packing tape.
4. Place the bottles inside of an opaque container like a coffee can.
5. Tape up that container.
6. Hide the container in the trash. Do not recycle them.
More information can be found here.
There are some medical waste incineration companies that provide prepaid packages that you may send back for safe disposal. Unfortunately, these companies often offer only very large containers, more suitable for medical professionals. Mass.gov offers a few of these companies on their medical waste site.
Hopefully in the future, there will be a better way to dispose of medications.