Disposing Drugs the Safe Way

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Story Published: Dec 21, 2009 at 11:27 PM PST

By Stacy Lilienthal

WASHINGTON --- For years we've been told to flush away old prescription drugs. But now that's causing problems throughout the state.

Just last month, we told you the number of patients addicted to prescription drugs at some local treatment centers has doubled in the past few years. But flushing prescription and over-the-counter medications down the toilet isn't the right way to keep drugs out of people's hands. "Flushing medications could result in those getting into the water supply and ending up in our lakes and streams," King County Eco-Consumer, Tom Watson warned. Hormones, narcotics and antibiotics aren't supposed to go to sewage treatment plants. They are not designed to catch them.

Instead, there are places that take those used meds. We looked to find out where people in Yakima, Franklin, and Benton county could take them. While the health districts don't list any pharmacies that collect old drugs on a regular basis, they say many local hospitals and pharmacies hold occasional drives. Just ask yours. Sharp things like needles could hurt workers so put them in an approved container and then take them to the Terrace Heights or Cheyne Landfill. Don't be afraid to get dirty. Health districts recommend you add things like kitty litter or used coffee grounds with your pills so that people won't want to taste test. Then tape the container closed and put it in a sealed bag.

Cheri Grasso is with the King County Hazardous Waste Management. "High temperature incineration and that's the standard way pharmaceuticals are disposed of. That's how pharmaceutical manufacturers dispose of their medicines." The experts will let a medical incinerator do the job. And people's health and unsafe river water don't have to go down the toilet.

Recycling advocates would like to see the drug companies pay for a permanent, widespread return program. The State Legislature takes up the issue next month.

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