ROCHESTER, N.Y. — From pills and liquids to inhalers, many of us store a variety of medications in our homes. But proper disposal is essential for keeping our communities and water systems safe, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

What You Need To Know

  • Unused medications at home should be disposed of properly to protect the environment and public health

  • Flushing medications can contaminate water and soil, putting wildlife and human health at risk

  • Safe disposal options include take-back programs, following disposal labels, or mixing drugs with substances like coffee grounds before trashing them

Certain drugs, like powerful narcotic pain relievers and other controlled substances, often come with instructions to flush them to prevent misuse or overdose. However, flushing other medications can have unintended consequences, contaminating soil and water, and potentially harming wildlife and human health. Experts warn that flushing medications is not only an environmental risk but also a danger to workers handling waste and water.

"Since 2021, we've collected over 1,250 30-gallon totes of sharps and syringes. So that is materials that would otherwise, have found their way into the trash or recycling and could have been harmful, so it's quite a lot," said Clement Chung, deputy director of environmental services for Monroe County.

To help avoid these risks, here are some safe disposal tips from the FDA:

  • Take advantage of community take-back programs or designated drop-off sites for unused drugs, if available
  • Do not flush medications unless the label specifically states it’s safe to do so
  • If no other options are available, mix medications with substances like coffee grounds or cat litter, seal them, and dispose of them in the trash to prevent misuse

For more information on safe medication disposal, check with your local pharmacy or visit the FDA website.