Proper methods for getting rid of medications effectively
Got some expired cough syrup from last winter's sickness? Or perhaps you've got some unused blood pressure pills sitting in your medicine cabinet?
You're looking to dispose of these leftovers, but you want to make sure you're doing it in an eco-friendly way. Flushing them down the toilet or sink might seem like an easy solution, but it could lead to some unexpected environmental issues. The Pharmacists' Chamber of Lower Saxony advises against this method. Even empty medicine bottles shouldn't be rinsed out before disposing of them.
Why is flushing such a big no-no?
The reason is that the active ingredients in the medication can make their way into the water cycle through wastewater. Once they're in the water cycle, they can cause undesirable consequences in various places. For instance, in sewage treatment plants: antibiotic residues can harm the bacteria used for wastewater treatment, as per the Pharmacists' Chamber.
The active ingredients can also move through the water cycle and end up in bodies of water, where they can accumulate in the plants and animals that live there. For example, this can affect the reproduction of water insects.
So, how should I dispose of medications correctly?
The best disposal method can vary depending on your location, as the correct disposal of medications is regulated at the local level. You can find out the specific rules for your area on the website "www.arzneimittelentsorgung.de".
In many cities and communities, medications can be thrown in the regular household waste. However, this isn't the case everywhere. For instance, in Berlin, pills, ointments, etc., should be disposed of using hazardous waste collection vehicles or recycling centers with hazardous waste acceptance points, as mentioned on the portal.
One thing that's consistent everywhere: cardboard boxes and medication inserts belong in the paper waste.
Did you know? You can also take your expired or unused medications to the nearest pharmacy. Many pharmacies offer professional disposal services, according to the Pharmacists' Chamber of Lower Saxony. However, they're not obligated to do so.
The environment should be considered when disposing of expired or unused medications, as the active ingredients can negatively impact sewage treatment plants and cause harm to bacteria used for wastewater treatment. Additionally, if these ingredients end up in bodies of water, they can accumulate in plants and animals, potentially affecting their reproduction.
