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Smart Disposal. A Prescription of a Better Planet.
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Responsible Medication Disposal Safeguards Lives and Protects the Environment.

Many of us enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.  We have diverse hobbies, numerous economic opportunities, tremendous cultural and outdoor resources and the best health care in the world.  In fact, we often combine our hobbies with our passion for the natural environment.  And protecting these resources is an important part of our overall enjoyment.

A concern we must all address is the disposal of medications and their effect on human life, wildlife, lakes, rivers and streams throughout our country. This issue is relevant to everyone’s personal health safety and the protection of our environment.

The SMARXT DISPOSAL Smart Disposal Trademark campaign is designed to raise awareness about the potential environmental impact from improperly disposed of medications and to provide proactive guidance through proper disposal alternatives.

 

* Note: Follow any specific disposal instructions on the drug label or patient information that accompanies the medication.

 
A few small steps can make an important difference in safeguarding lives and protecting the environment.

Follow your medication prescriber’s instructions and use all medications as instructed. If you do not use all of your prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you can take a few small steps to make a huge impact in safeguarding lives and protecting the environment by disposing of unused medicines properly:

  1. DO NOT FLUSH unused medications and DO NOT POUR them down a sink or drain. *
  2. Be Proactive and Dispose of Unused Medication In Household Trash. When discarding unused medications, ensure you protect children and pets from potentially negative effects:
    3.
    • Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it or add water to dissolve it.
    • Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the medication and makes it less appealing for pets and children to eat) to the plastic bag.
    • Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash. 
    • Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information (prescription label) from all medication containers before recycling them or throwing them away.
  3. Check for Approved State and Local Collection Programs. Another option is to check for approved state and local collection alternatives such as community based household hazardous waste collection programs. In certain states, you may be able to take your unused medications to your community pharmacy or other location for disposal.
    4.
  4. Consult your pharmacist with any questions.
SMARXT DISPOSAL TM public awareness campaign is a unique public-private partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.