Why Proper Rx Disposal is Important to Water Quality

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified numerous pollutants that can be considered endocrine disruptors. These not only include the obvious pharmaceutical products, but also over the counter medications, fire retardants and fragrances commonly found in cosmetics, deodorants and lotions. These endocrine disruptors are not treated by the Wastewater Treatment Plant. They can pass through into the river. At this time, we really don't know the extent of the long or short term problems from this contamination to the environment, animal or human health.

Additional Resources

• Colorado Dept.of Public Health & Environment: Medical and Pharmaceutical Waste
• City of Longmont: Water Quality Report for Drinking Water

Year-round Drop Off

• Longmont Public Safety has a drop box for unused medications in their lobby (225 Kimbark Street), and maintains a list of locations in Longmont accepting Rx disposals (always check with pharmacy to make sure program is still available).
• Colorado Medication Take Back Project (other Colorado locations)

Because year-round drop boxes are available, we will not offer the Rx Event at Longmont United Hospital at this time.

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Tips on Waste Reduction and Disposal

• Buy only what you can use before the expiration date.
• Bring medications to Drop Off Days.
• Ask your pharmacist about their Take Back Programs and the type of disposal they use. (Don't use a Take Back Program that discharges the wastes to the sanitary sewer.).
• Throw medication into the trash after making it unusable. (mix liquids with absorbents such as kitty litter or coffee grounds; and mix pills with glue and dry before discarding. Patches can be cut into small strips and mixed with glue. Also, remember to remove identification from bottles or use a nondescript container.)
• Controlled substances: please refer to the printed materials accompanying the medication for specific instructions on proper disposal.

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