Homeowner’s Guide to the Disposal of Unwanted Medications Q: Do I flush old medications down the toilet? NO, flushing medications can cause contamination to Georgia’s aquatic environment because wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove medications. Additionally, medications can kill helpful bacteria in septic systems.
Cleaning out the medicine cabinet is a good idea. Having old and expired medications increases the chance of taking the wrong one or an incorrect dosage. Plus, old medications lose their potency after time. DO NOT share medicine with anyone. DO NOT flush medicine down the toilet. DO NOT put medicine in the trash without disguising them - human or animal scavengers may find them and ingest them. More information on reverse
Homeowner’s Guide to the Disposal of Unwanted Medications con’t. Q: Do I place old medications in the trash ? YES, but follow these guidelines to protect children, wildlife, the environment and personal information. 1. Keep in the original container to help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested. 2. Mark out your name and prescription number. 3. For pills: add a small amount of water or soda to aid in dissolving them. 4. For liquids: add a small amount of inedible items like pet litter, dirt or saw dust. 5. Secure the lid with duct or packing tape. 6. Place the bottle(s) inside an opaque container like a detergent bottle or with unappealing trash like soiled diapers or used pet litter. 7. Hide the container in the trash. 8. DO NOT place in the recycling bin.
Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division
For additional information about proper disposal, please contact the Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department, Water Conservation Office at (706) 613-3729 or the Athens -Clarke County Solid Waste Department, Recycling Division at (706) 613-3512.
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