How do I discard old drugs?

[MilDoc]

Many drugs can be found in water supplies, not just from dumping and illegal use, but from normal bodily excretion in those taking medications regularly. Lots of meds are excreted unchanged in urine etc. A survey years ago found dozens of drugs, with antibiotics leading the list (lots of that comes from cattle etc too).

I mix old meds with cat litter too, but I crush the tablets and empty any capsules first. makes it impossible to reuse. Then wrap in plastic and dispose of.

[jackellis]

http://cancer.about.com/od/treatment...ugdisposal.htm

[atgcpaul]

Other reports I have read on water pollution include seeing huge spikes of
cinnamon and nutmeg in the waterways due to their high use during the
holidays. Side note. I've also read Thanksgiving and Christmas are also the
busiest times of years for plumbers. That's a lot of toilets.

Another report which I've heard more about recently is the use of nano
silver as an antibacterial in washing machines and clothes. Apparently it's
very effective as an antibacterial and antiviral but it could be working its way
into the water killing beneficial organisms as well. There's some politics
linked with this one, though: http://www.newstarget.com/021231.html

[Alex Franke]

I suppose ebay is out of the question, so cat litter it is! Thanks for the tips everyone!

btw, I never even thought about the "refills" issue. I've always removed prescription labels because I don't throw anything out that has my name on it without shredding it first -- so I thought the recommendation was just a privacy concern!

[MilDoc]

Nice post jackellis! I didn't know there were "official" guidelines. Nice to know they agree with what's been posted.