Question: Can I flush my unused prescription drugs down the toilet?
Answer: NO. Although this used to be advised, flushing prescription medications down a sink or toilet has become a major environmental hazard. Antibiotics and other drugs can destroy beneficial bacteria, and wastewater treatment plants are not designed to process these compounds.
Fortunately, you have many options for disposing of unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as other medical items. With Safe Medication and Sharps Disposal Day approaching on Saturday, Sept. 27, it’s a good time to clean out your medicine cabinet.
Why Choose Safe Disposal?
The U-M College of Pharmacy’s Student-Run Free Clinic is hosting the event to address a crucial public safety and public health issue. By taking your items to the Pinckney, Mich., repository site on Sept. 27, you’ll dispose of your unused or expired items in a safe, convenient, responsible manner.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, unused or expired drugs can hurt people, pets and the environment if they are lost, stolen or misused.
The Safe Medication and Sharps Disposal Day event also helps prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
Take Back These...
- Pills, tablets and capsules
- Liquids and glass vials
- Creams and ointments
- Patches and inhalers
- Vitamins and supplements
- Veterinary medicines
- Controlled medications
- Sharps and sharps containers stored in official sharps containers or sturdy plastic receptacles with lids.
... But Don’t Bring These
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Cosmetics, hair care and personal hygiene products
- Hydrogen peroxide (rubbing alcohol)
- Aerosol cans
- Blood and infectious waste
- Tobacco products
Event Details
The Sept. 27 event will take place at Pinckney Town Square Park, 131 S. Howell St., Pinckney, Mich., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pinckney is about 20 minutes southwest of Ann Arbor.
If your calendar is full on Sept. 27, explore in-home medication disposal options, such as DisposeRx and Deterra. These products safely deactivate drugs, allowing you to throw away medications without environmental contamination.
FYI About Opioid Disposal
For more information about opioid disposal, visit the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (Michigan OPEN).
