No Drugs Down the Drain

Drug sales have doubled in recent years. While that fact alone is frightening and a topic unto itself, it makes you wonder what happens to all the leftover pills from all those prescriptions. For years doctors and pharmacists have recommended medication be flushed down the toilet or ground through the garbage disposal, mainly to keep it out of the reach of young children. Unfortunately, data has begun to show those pharmaceuticals are showing up in our creeks, bays and oceans, hurting both water quality and wildlife. What’s now known as “pharmaceutical waste” has emerged as a major environmental issue.

Because of the environmental consequences, flushing leftover meds is no longer acceptable. So, how can you safely—and greenly—get rid of those pills? Federal and local agencies have joined together to launch the No Drugs Down the Drain campaign, a one-week California-wide educational campaign slated for October 4-11. During this week, you can drop unwanted pharmaceuticals off at nearby disposal sites like these:

In Placer County:
October 11th, from 10am to 2pm, at Auburn City Hall Parking Lot (1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn).

In Roseville:
October 11th, from 10am to 2pm, at Roseville Sports Center (1501 Pleasant Grove Ave, Roseville).

Just go to www.NoDrugsDowntheDrain.org and enter your zip code for a list of locations near you, or visitwww.Earth911.org any time to find a nearby recycling site for everything from leftover prescription drugs to used motor oil to house paint and more. The site features great green living tips and even has a page with activities for eco-minded students and teachers.

You’ll want to bring medications to the disposal site in their original containers and take precautions to keep them away from children until they are disposed of. Be sure you always request a child-proof top on your prescriptions. (If you are concerned about transporting medications, you can get a small plastic tool box at the hardware store for about $5, with a latch for a little lock.)

While this campaign aims to raise awareness of the problem, long-term solutions are still needed. The easiest solution would seem to be letting pharmacies reclaim the unused drugs, but current laws prohibit pharmacies from collecting certain types of drugs without law enforcement personnel present.

Last year, the governor signed Senate Bill 966 into law, requiring that a model pharmaceutical take-back program be established for our state. So, while there are still kinks to be worked out in the logistics, an easier solution for busy parents should be coming soon.