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While flushing expired medications is technically permissible and sometimes suggested by the FDA as a final option (it’s listed among the three approved methods for medication disposal), it’s not the most environmentally friendly choice. Given the numerous pollutants already entering sewage systems, it’s advisable to avoid adding pharmaceuticals whenever possible.
The water and waste you flush don’t just disappear—they often travel to wastewater treatment facilities before being released into nearby water bodies. This means any substances that survive the treatment process can enter the ecosystem and potentially cycle back into our water supply.
Currently, there’s no definitive proof that flushed medications are directly harming human health, largely due to their high dilution. However, their environmental impact, such as effects on aquatic life, remains unclear. It’s worth noting that the medications you consume also enter wastewater systems after passing through your body. While your body typically breaks down these drugs into different compounds, some byproducts may still retain biological activity.
On a positive note, wastewater treatment facilities can eliminate a portion of pharmaceuticals. Studies show removal rates ranging from 50 to 95 percent, depending on the drug. However, researching the environmental impact of these substances is challenging due to the vast array of drugs, their low concentrations, and the subtlety of their effects.
Alternative Methods for Safe Drug Disposal
While throwing medications in the trash is a common practice, it comes with risks: others might retrieve them, and landfill disposal can still harm the environment. This is why fentanyl patches, for instance, come with instructions to flush them—preventing accidental exposure to pets or children. Mixing pills with substances like coffee grounds or kitty litter is often recommended, but it’s not foolproof against someone intent on accessing medications like Oxycontin.
Your disposal method depends on the urgency of removing the drug from your home. For most medications, taking them to a designated disposal site or event is ideal. However, for opioids or other hazardous drugs, using the trash or toilet as a last resort may be acceptable. The FDA provides a list of such drugs here, emphasizing that flushing them is preferable to risking misuse, though this should only be done if proper disposal options are unavailable.
Locating a Drug Take-Back Site
The most secure way to dispose of medications is through official take-back programs. These involve dropping off your drugs at designated locations, such as collection boxes, where they are safely incinerated, effectively neutralizing the chemicals.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration organizes bi-annual drug take-back days (the upcoming one is on October 27, 2018) and supports local communities in hosting similar events. These are often held at places like libraries or community centers. For year-round options, you can use this locator to find DEA-approved sites for controlled substance disposal, which are typically hospitals or select pharmacies.
While some pharmacies accept returned medications, this isn’t universal. Walgreens provides details about their dropbox locations here and is expanding their availability, though they’re restricted in five states. CVS also offers a limited number of dropboxes, and their search tool includes police stations with disposal options.
