Proper Drug Disposal: An Environmental Concern

In recent Associated Press report, over just a five-month period of time, twenty-four metropolitan areas across the U.S. were found to have detectable levels of drugs in their drinking water. Philadelphia reported fifty-six different pharmaceuticals, including pain medications, hormones, and antidepressants. The report also included data on the feminization of fish in waterways, presumably from estrogen-containing drugs, and various pharmaceuticals found in earth worms.

A common misconception is that the body absorbs all drugs introduced to it with no waste byproduct, when in fact, many of the drugs we take are excreted unchanged where they then make themselves in the wastewater system.

While much of this problem is a result of natural elimination by humans and animals, the issue of pharmaceuticals found in the environment is due to improper disposal as well. This happens most commonly by pouring or flushing unused drugs down household drains.

Most know not to throw car batteries in the trash, or motor oil down the drain, but when it comes to proper drug disposal most are unaware of the proper procedure. However, there is also little literature on how to properly dispose of medications. The Environmental Protection Agency is currently working on recommendations for patients and institutions on how to properly dispose of drugs.

Currently, there are occasional “drug take-back” programs in the community. Some are provided through participating pharmacies. Many states across the U.S. are utilizing law-enforcement in this process through organized drug “take-back” events. These programs will continue to arise as more attention is placed on drug disposal and the environment.

If no drug take-back programs are available in your area, there are recommended disposal procedures found on the Federal administration’s website:

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/prescrip_disposal.pdf

Drugs flushed down the toilet can damage the environment and eventually end up in drinking water. In order to minimize our impact on the environment, encourage those needing to dispose of medications to utilize these resources and stay aware of community events involving drug take-back programs.

Lance Ray, Pharm.D.