What should I do with unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications?

Do not flush them down the toilet! Wastewater treatment plants are often not able to filter out the chemicals in the medications, so they end up in lakes and rivers. Recent national studies have found low levels of at least one pharmaceutical chemical in 80% of waters tested.

Instead, put them in the trash in an unlabeled, opaque sealed container (for example, a laundry detergent jug or in cat litter).  Also, some solid waste districts will take medications at their hazardous waste collection sites and some pharmacies occasionally host collection days.

• Disposal of Unwanted Medicines: A Resource for Action in Your Community (Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant)