How to Dispose of Prescription Medications in Temecula, California

At one time flushing unused medications down the toilet or drain was the considered the best way to dispose of expired or leftover drugs. However, concerns have been raised about the prescription drugs found in city water systems. The FDA website states that most drugs should, in fact, be properly disposed of in the trash. It is also noted that a few more harmful drugs should still be flushed down the toilet or drain to ensure that they are quickly removed from the home and not accidentally ingested by children or pets. The FDA has a frequently revised list of medications that should be disposed of by flushing down the toilet or sink (see Resource). All other medications should be properly disposed of in your regular trash.

Things You'll Need

• Container with lid (optional)
• Sealable bag
• Spoon
• Hammer (optional)
• Cat litter (optional)
• Used coffee grounds

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Instructions

Pills

• 1

  Remove the medication from its original container and place it into a disposable container or a seal-able plastic bag.

• 2

  Use a large metal spoon to press down and crush each pill in the container or bag. It does not have to be turned into dust but according to the City of Temecula website, the pills should all be crushed to the best of your ability. A small hammer could also be used to gently break the pills with light taps.

• 3

  Add something unpalatable to the container or bag. The Office of National Drug Control Policy suggests mixing in cat litter or used coffee grounds.

• 4

  Remove your personal information, prescription number included from the prescription bottle. Scratch the label off, black it out with permanent marker, or cover it with duct tape.

• 5

  Place the pill bottle into the drug and cat litter/coffee grounds mixture. Seal the bag or close the container and place in your everyday trash.

Inhalers

• 6

  Take the inhaler outside.

• 7

  Point the inhaler away from your face and empty it by expelling the remaining medication.

• 8

  Cover or destroy any personal information including the prescription number on the inhaler.

• 9

  Place the empty inhaler in your regular trash.

Liquid Medicines

• 10

  Pour the remaining medicine into a paper towel or any other absorbent material.

• 11

  Remove, cover or destroy any personal information on the bottle's label.

• 12

  Place the empty bottle and the medicine soaked paper towels into your regular trash.