The responsible way to dispose of unused medications
Medication take-back bins keep unused pharmaceuticals out of the environment and the hands of those who may misuse them. We talked to Thomas Koutroulis, director of Waste & Recycling for the County of Orange, to understand how bins benefit the communities they’re in.
of Waste & Recycling for the
County of Orange
“Keeping medications out of the waste stream and ensuring proper disposal at a drop off location not only helps protect the environment, but more importantly it protects public health,” says Thomas Koutroulis, Director of Waste & Recycling for the County of Orange. He continued, “I have a friend that shared their experience about how convenient it was for them to use the drop off at the pharmacy while picking up a new prescription. She said it was an easy and simple process.”
“Keeping medications out of the waste stream and ensuring proper disposal at a drop off location not only helps protect the environment, but more importantly it protects public health.”
Thomas Koutroulis, Director of Waste & Recycling for the County of Orange
Take-back bins help community avoid hazards of unused drugs
There are hazards associated with less responsible disposal methods. If you flush medications down the toilet, wastewater treatment plants can’t eliminate the medications and they end up going into the groundwater, where they can cause harm to people, fish and other living things. If you put them into the trash, people can rummage through the trash, potentially contributing to drug abuse.
How do medication take-back bins benefit the communities they’re in?
Take-back bins provide convenient and secure disposal options for unused or expired medications. In the past, users were encouraged to flush medications down the drain or throw them away in the trash, both of which can contribute to pollution. Stockpiling medications in the home can also contribute to intentional misuse or accidental poisonings.
What can be disposed of in the bins?
Bins accept prescription and over-the-counter medications, medical patches, as well as pet medications and medicated ointments and lotions tightly sealed in their original containers. Disposal requirements are posted at each bin location.
What materials cannot be disposed of in the bins?
Community residents are advised not to put illegal controlled substances in the bins, such as marijuana, heroin, or LSD for example. For safety reasons, medical sharps and needles, compressed cylinders such as asthma inhalers, chemotherapy or radiopharmaceuticals, and medical devices such as thermometers should also not be disposed of in bins. Sites will not be held responsible for materials deposited into bins.
Where can you find take-back bins?
Pharmacies, hospitals with pharmacies, and law enforcement locations are suitable locations as they can provide proper management and security for materials.
For more information about medication take-back bins in your community, visit https://www.takebackdrugs.org/.
To find out about California Product Stewardship Council’s work throughout the state, visit www.calpsc.org.
