Don't toss old medicines, try to recycle them

By Linda Tarr | For The Olympian • Published July 17, 2007

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Done with those pills? Just flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash, right?

Not so fast: If you do, you could damage the environment or put a child at risk.

Fortunately, there is a better way to rid yourself of unneeded medicines, thanks to the Medicine Take Back Program, says Rachel Donnette, education and outreach specialist with Thurston County Environmental Health.

Here's what you do:

n Gather your unwanted medications.

n Keep them in their original containers and mark out any personal information.

n Find a pharmacy drop-off location near you by going to www.MedicineReturn.com or calling 800-RECYCLE (800-732-9253). In Thurston County, you can bring old medications to Group Health at 700 Lilly Road N.E. in Olympia.

n Deposit the medications in the secure bin marked "medication return" in the lobby.

Not absolutely everything can be returned, however.

Items accepted are:

n Prescription medications;

n Over-the-counter medications;

n Medication samples;

n Medications for pets;

n Vitamins;

n Medicated ointments/lotions;

n Inhalers;

n Liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers.

Items not accepted are:

n Needles;

n Thermometers;

n Controlled substances (narcotics);

n IV bags;

n Bloody or infectious waste;

n Personal care products;

n Business waste;

n Empty containers;

n Hydrogen peroxide;

n Aerosol cans.

The wastes will be disposed of by an approved hazardous waste incinerator, Donnette said.

Why it's important

There are many reasons to participate, despite the seeming ease of just flushing those old pills and prescriptions.

Wastewater treatment is not effective in eliminating pharmaceutical compounds, according to a report by the Pharmaceuticals from Households: A Return Mechanism Pilot Team, which includes the state Department of Ecology and Board of Pharmacy.

According to the report, researchers suspect that hormones and medicines in the water might be responsible for effects on wildlife including feminization of male fish, sluggish activity or reduced appetite.