Please don't dump drugs down the toilet

Although it has been common practice and even encouraged, please don't dispose of drugs that are outdated or unneeded in the toilet, it pollutes nearby rivers with very bizarre compounds that nature really doesn't know what to do with. Even The Oregonian saw fit to mention it in an article, and that means the situation must be pretty bad.

There aren't a lot of alternatives to dumping down the toilet at this point, but apparently "take back" programs are being put in place to address the problem. If you need to get rid of some prescription drugs, I'd call your pharmacist for some options.

ps/edit/addendum:

Found these guidelines and some info just now (I cut and pasted directly, typos are all theirs).

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Below are the federal guidelines for proper disposal of prescription drugs:

Federal Guidelines:


?Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers and throw them in the trash.

?

? Mixing prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and putting them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, will further ensure the drugs are not diverted.

Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so.

Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Some communities have pharmaceutical take-back programs or community solid-waste programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Where these exist, they are a good way to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals.



The FDA advises that the following drugs be flushed down the toilet instead of thrown in the trash:

Actiq (fentanyl citrate)

Daytrana Transdermal Patch (methylphenidate)

Duragesic Transdermal System (fentanyl)

OxyContin Tablets (oxycodone)

Avinza Capsules (morphine sulfate)

Baraclude Tablets (entecavir)

Reyataz Capsules (atazanavir sulfate)

Tequin Tablets (gatifloxacin)

Zerit for Oral Solution (stavudine)

Meperidine HCl Tablets

Percocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen)

Xyrem (Sodium Oxybate)

Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet)

Note: Patients should always refer to printed material accompanying their medication for specific instructions