Microsoft word - dwsppharmbrocure with updated whitehouseinfo.doc

Concerns About Medicine Disposal
 Medicines that are flushed down a toilet or sink contaminate water resources, resulting in reproductive and developmental problems in fish and other aquatic wildlife.  Improperly discarded containers provide personal information that can be used illegally, including identity theft.  There is the possibility of poisoning from accidental ingestions, particularly by small children and pets, if Reduce water pollution and
medicines are thrown “as is” in the trash or unneeded or promote a healthy environment
expired medicines are kept in the house. by properly disposing of
unneeded or expired medications
For More Information:
 MA Department of Environmental Protection:
www.mass.gov/dep/toxics/stypes/ppcpedc.htm
www.mwra.com/04water/html/pharmaceuticals.htm
 SMARxT Disposal: www.smarxtdisposal.net
 US Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/ppcp
 White House Office of National Drug Control Policy:
DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Office of Watershed Management
Wachusett/Sudbury Section
180 Beaman St.
West Boylston, MA 01583
(508) 792-7806
www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply.htm
Medications Impact the Environment
Guidelines for Proper Disposal
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are a source of These guidelines are taken from the White House Office of pollution when they are flushed down the toilet or drain. Waste- National Drug Control Policy, the Department of Health and water facilities and septic systems are not currently designed to Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. process pharmaceutical products. Compounds passing through these systems can impact surface waters, groundwater, and drinking DO NOT DISPOSE OF MEDICATION
water supplies. Pharmaceuticals can also be released into DOWN THE TOILET!*
waterways via stormwater run-off from fields applied with manure or biosolids.  Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs
out of their original containers.
Modern technology can detect more substances, at lower levels, than ever before. Fortunately, tests done in the spring of 2008  Remove ALL personal identification or prescription
detected no compounds in Boston's source drinking water that label from the container before placing in the trash.
comes from the Wachusett and Quabbin Reservoirs. According to the American Water Works Association, research has not  Mix the prescription drugs with an undesirable
demonstrated an impact on human health from pharmaceuticals at substance, like used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and
the very low levels reported nationally in some drinking water put them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such
supplies. Studies have shown, however, that medicines that reach as empty cans or sealable bags, further ensuring that the
streams, rivers, and lakes do affect wildlife, as fish and wildfowl drugs are not diverted or accidentally ingested by
face continuous exposure to the drugs. Medications thrown children or pets.
haphazardly in the trash can also be eaten by wildlife that frequent landfills.  Throw these containers in the trash.
*The Food and Drug Administration advises, however, that medications that have a high abuse potential be disposed of by flushing down the toilet rather than being placed in the trash. These medicines include:  Actiq (fentanyl citrate)  Daytrana Transdermal patch (methylphenidate)  Duragesic Transdermal System (fentanyl) DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection, Office of Watershed Management manages and protects the drinking water supply  Reyataz Capsules (atazanavir sulfate) watersheds that provide water for approximately 2.2 million Massachusetts residents. Its legislatively mandated mission is to utilize and conserve water and other natural resources to protect,  Meperidine HCl Tablets(Percocet, Oxycodone and Acetaminophen) preserve and enhance the environment of the Commonwealth and to assure the availability of pure water for future generations.

Source: http://www.townofpaxton.net/vertical/sites/%7B4877D6D1-B638-4BAD-B942-A67C40C2215D%7D/uploads/Unused_and_exired_pharmaceuticals.pdf