Getting rid of drugs

Knock, knock... flush, flush.

No, that's not what I mean. What do you do with all those old prescription drugs that have been hoarded for years, "just in case" that same old ailment recurs?

Well, first of all, most know that prescription drugs have an expiration date, and you really ought to discard them at some point after the x-date.

The following came to me this morning from a reader:

Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs

Federal Guidelines (www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/prescrip_disposal.pdf)

Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. For information on drugs that should be flushed visit the FDA’s website.

To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you may be able to take advantage of community drug take‐back programs or other programs, such as household hazardous waste collection events, that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government’s household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug take‐back program is available in your community.

If a drug take‐back or collection program is not available:

1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.

2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.

3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.

4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.

5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash.

***** Gus's comment *****

So I called MDC Environmental Services, which is Woodstock's trash collection service. They don't have any special program, but a helpful CSR suggested that I call the police or fire department or ask at your pharmacy.

I called the Woodstock Osco Pharmacy and, wonder of all wonders, it will accept "old" drugs for disposal. So, remember; don't dump them in the toilet. But, if you do (and if you have a dog), be sure to put the lid down!