FDA Calls Flushing the Proper Disposal for Some Drugs

Studies have shown that prescription drugs are present in our drinking water. Some of the traces of pharmaceuticals come from pills we take, which are later excreted after they pass through our bodies and others come from medications that get flushed down the toilet right into our water systems.

Even though the levels of drugs in our water are low and probably have very little impact on us, it's a different story for fish and other animals who are exposed to the water beyond drinking it. Cholesterol medications can change an animals metabolic rate and birth control can contribute to turning male fish into hermaphrodites, for example.

So what should you do with prescription drugs that are expired or no longer needed? The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has created a list of medications that could pose a danger to people or pets in your home such as opioid painkillers that are highly addictive. They urge people to flush these medications (currently there are 26 on the list) for safety reasons.

However, the brains behind SmartRx Disposal say you should never flush medications or pour them down the sink drain. Instead, they offer an environmentally responsible and safe alternative for disposing of prescription drugs. First, pour medication into a plastic bag you can seal. Crush any solid pills or capsules or add liquid to dissolve them. Next, add a mixer that will make the medication less appealing to kids and pets like coffee grounds, sawdust or kitty litter. Then, seal the bag and put it in the garbage. No flushing into our water supply necessary.  

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