| ■ Dispose of Prescription Drugs in Kitchen Waste, EPA Urges | 07.02.26 |
| Government experts say unsavory waste such as kitty litter and old coffee grounds can keep unwanted prescription drugs out of the wrong hands. New drug disposal guidelines urge consumers to mix unused, unneeded or expired drugs with undesirable substances and to discard them in nondescript containers to avoid reuse. And, while the time-honored habit of flushing drugs down the toilet can also be used, officials warned that could create environmental problems if proper disposal instructions on the safety label are disregarded. "Following these new guidelines will protect our nation's waterways and keep pharmaceuticals out of the hands of potential abusers," Environmental Protection Agency administrator Stephen L. Johnson said in a prepared statement Wednesday. Some pharmacies will also collect drugs for safe disposal, the agency added. |