How to Properly Dispose of Household Medicine

DO NOT flush medicines down the toilet or sink! This causes water pollution because they pass through septic systems and sewage treatment plants untreated.

DO safely place medicines into the garbage. PLEASE prepare for disposal:

1. Keep the medication in its original container.
(cross out the patient’s name with a permanent marker)

2. Modify the medications to discourage consumption.
( add a small amount of water to partly dissolve pills)
( add salt or flour to liquid meds. so no one can drink them)
(wrap blister packs with duct tape or other sturdy tape)

3. Seal and conceal.
(tape medication lid with packing or duct tape)
(place it in a non-transparent container such as yogurt or a coffee can)

4. Discard the container in your garbage can.
Do not place in your recycling bin!

Medicines properly disposed of are burned at the Ct. Resource Recovery Facility at very high temperatures that destroy the products and prevent them from getting into our land and water.

This information was obtained from the Ct.DEEP (DEP). If you have questions, please call Tracy Mirky, Recycling Coordinator, 485-9647