Pharmaceuticals

Don't Flush Your Drugs!

"Disposal of pharmaceuticals down a toilet or drain has become a serious public concern. Wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to remove all traces of pharmaceutical chemicals. If you flush your drugs, a portion of those contaminants will reach local waters. Estrogen, steroids, chemotherapy medications are among the most common pharmaceuticals found in waterways where treated wastewater is discharged. These drugs may be harmful to aquatic life."

Central Sanitary District's Pipeline newsletter.

You may bring your pharmaceuticals to drop-off points throughout the county.
If you are unable to do so, please do the following:

1. Take medications out of original containers. Remove prescription information from containers before discarding.
2. Crush pills or dissolve them in water to prevent children or pets from accessing them. Dilute liquid medications. Mix the medications with coffee grounds or kitty litter.
3. Seal in a plastic bag or empty container.
4. Throw in the garbage.
5. If there are syringes or needles with the medication do not throw them in the garbage; please visit the sharps page for information on proper disposal.