Most people don’t think about the fact that everything we flush or dump down our drains has an affect on our drinking water quality. Pharmaceuticals that enter wastewater or groundwater can severely alter ecosystems for aquatic life, as well as end up in drinking water sources. Do you want to drink other people’s expired medications?
You can encourage proper disposal of unused medications in your community. Education is a major component to compliance. Some voluntary options include:
Work with your police department to arrange a prescription drug collection program
Post signs at local pharmacies telling patrons NOT to flush their unused drugs
Talk to nursing homes and hospitals regarding proper disposal of pharmaceuticals
Educate your community by distributing literature on the topic or posting it on your website
DEQ brochure on proper medication disposal - This brochure can be used to educate your residents.
Learn the dangers of improper pharmaceutical disposal
Learn how to organize a pharmaceutical collection event or program in your community
