The widespread discovery of pharmaceuticals in drinking water has sparked sharp responses from local governments and concerned citizens. 
New York State’s attorney general recently fined five hospitals and nursing homes for disposing their unused pharmaceuticals into the local sewer system.
Reports suggest that each year an estimated 650 million pounds of pharmaceuticals are dumped into the sewer system by hospitals and health care facilities.
Academic and government researchers have measured the impact of popular medicines on fish and wildlife in the nation’s waters. These reports are alarming and could be an early warning for potential health problems in humans.
The EPA continues to investigate and is “proposing a system for disposing hazardous pharmaceutical wastes that is protective of public health and the environment”. This would apply to pharmacies, physicians’ offices, dentists’ offices, and other health care facilities.
You don’t have to wait for policymakers to get involved with this important issue. The following is a list of actions you can take today.
Reduce Waste
Recent studies suggest that doctors have been overprescribing medication to their patients.
It’s important for patients to ask questions about each prescription and decide whether or not it will be used by them, and if so, how much of it will be used.
You may want to ask for smaller quantities, or see if a sample pack of that medication is available for you to try.
Takeback Programs
Several states are experimenting with drug takeback programs. These are officially regulated locations where people can safely drop off their medication to be burned or diluted.
Some are located at pharmacies, police stations, and hospitals.
The best way to discover these programs is to contact your local pharmacies and hazardous waste disposal agency to see if your community participates in a similar program.
Proper Disposal
You should not flush your pharmaceuticals down your toilet or sink. There are only a few exceptions to this and it is only when the medication is clearly labeled with instructions for flushing.
If you’re unable to find a drug takeback program in your area then the Office of National Drug Control Policy recommends you take the following steps.
1) Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
2) Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3) Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
4) Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
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