Do you have any unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs? To protect our water quality, customers are encouraged to dispose of leftover prescription medications in a safe and environmentally-conscious way, not in the sink or toilet.

Most medications should be taken out of their original containers and thrown in the trash. Make sure you remove your name or any other identifying information from packaging before discarding. Mixing prescription drugs with coffee grounds or used kitty litter and placing them in plastic sealable bags is another safe way to dispose of unused medicines. Also, check with your pharmacy or healthcare provider to see if they have a drug return or disposal program before disposing of prescription drugs.

You should flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label instructs doing so. This may apply to small amounts of liquid syrups. If the label says to contact your local municipal authority, then do not flush medicines down the toilet or sink. Improper disposal of prescription medications can harm the water supply for people and wildlife downstream.