The last time I moved, as I started packing my bathroom drawers, I discovered several bottles of decongestants and other medicines left over from the previous year’s sinus infection. At the time, I just threw them in the trash. Now that I know more about the effects the incorrect disposal of medication can have on our environment, I’m glad I chose the trash.
According to the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, when we flush old antibiotics, hormones, painkillers, antidepressants and other medications down the toilet or drain, these substances then enter our water supply. And once they do, it’s near impossible to remove them.
It’s pretty scary to think every time I take a sip of water or brush my teeth, I could be getting a dose of someone else’s prescription.
But what if you’re not comfortable throwing that old bottle of medications in the trash as is? How should you properly dispose of it? Here are a few tips, courtesy of the City of Arlington.
• First, dissolve any pills in salt water.
• Mix the salt water and/or any liquid medications with kitty litter or used coffee grounds to help prevent them from being ingested or taken out of the trash.
• Leave the prescription in the original packaging so it can be identified in case it’s accidently consumed by a child or pet. For privacy, scratch or mark out your name, physician and prescription number. Finally, use duct or packing tape to close up the bottle before putting it in the trash.
Another option is to participate in a drug take-back program. Locally, the city of Fort Worth offers medication disposal at its Environmental Collection Center, located at 6400 Bridge Street. Fort Worth partners with most cities in Tarrant County to share this resource, including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Roanoke, Grapevine, Keller, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Haltom City, Watauga and more.
Proof of residency and a voucher may be required to use the collection center, so be sure to check with the city you live in for more information before you go. You may also call the Environmental Collection Center at 817-871-5257 for more information. The center is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lisa Starnes, MBA, APR
Business Development Specialist
Texas Health HEB
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