Flushing old medications might seem like the best way to keep them out of your child’s reach, but it creates a potential public health hazard by allowing drugs into our water supply.

Similarly, do not pour it down the sink as it may end up in the local water table. And do not throw it in the trash. It may still be within reach of kids and pets.

The safest way to get rid of leftover medications is to take them back to the pharmacy. However, not all pharmacies are required to take back unused medications but you can inquire at your local drugstore or pharmacy for options. Besides prescribed medicines, vitamins and minerals are chemicals, and can also be harmful to the soil and groundwater.

source: Reader’s Digest May2008 issue, pg136

Tags: environment, health, home, safety, tips