What to do with unused medications
Oregon Health Authority has these tips on Safe Disposal of Medication
Don't flush unused medications down the toilet or drain unless your medicine specifically states you should. Flushing medications means they can get into our water system which can impact fish, wildlife, or even you.
Many pharmacies are now able to accept used medications. Call your pharmacy to find out what they offer. Keep medications in the original container. If there are no pharmacies near you, here are safe disposal options and special instructions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Another option for any household user is to request an envelope to mail the medicine to the facility for proper disposal.
Depending on where you live, there are sometimes, Drug take-back events typically in April & September.
More information is available through DEQ’s Drug Take Back Web Page.
Why PROPER DISPOSAL IS IMPORTANT
Keep our waterways clean! Oregon Department of Environmental Quality sampling has found trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in some Oregon streams and rivers, and even groundwater. Do NOT flush unwanted medications down the toilet unless medication specifies to do that. This leads to the wastewater treatment plant, and eventually, our waterways.
Reduce prescription drug abuse, especially among kids and teens. More teens abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine combined. Teens say prescription drugs are widely available from a variety of sources, including their home medicine cabinets, and those of friends and relatives.
Reduce avoidable poisonings of pets and children. Taking your drugs to a pharmacy or mailing is an easy way to keep medications away from kids and pets.