Rx Disposal Techniques
Proper disposal of various environmentally harmful agents can increase the quality of our water
Don’t Flush Pharmaceuticals down the Toilet or the Drain.
The Problem
Unwanted pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been detected in various cities’ drinking water around the country.
- The sources of these PPCPs are from both prescription and non-prescription drugs, cleansing products, cosmetics, nutritional supplements and skin care products.
- Currently, wastewater treatment plants and septic tank systems are not designed to completely eliminate some of these manmade PPCPs.
- PPCPs have not been shown to cause health problems for humans.
- PPCPs, even in such small quantities, are harmful to the ecosystems in which they are found. These substances have been shown to disrupt the developmental and reproductive systems of some aquatic organisms and wildlife.
The Solution
Do not flush your unwanted pharmaceuticals and PPCP’s down the toilet or the drain. It is much more appropriate to use one of the following recommended methods of disposal:
- Mix unwanted medications with used coffee grounds or kitty litter and place in the garbage.
- Remove prescription label from bottle and pour water in the bottle to dissolve the medication and dispose in the garbage.
- Take unwanted medications to your local hazardous waste collection facility or to a location that accepts and properly disposes of unwanted medications (i.e. a local pharmacy).
GRU’s Water
PPCPs are primarily a concern for surface waters: streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Unlike surface waters and unprotected aquifers, GRU’s water supply comes from the Floridian Aquifer; groundwater, which is a protected underground source naturally filtered from contaminants.
Reference Websites:
www.EPA.gov
www.dep.state.fl.us
www.alachuacounty.us
