Sunday, May 20, 2012

Medicinal Waste

Medicinal waste, also know as pharmaceutical waste, can include any un-used/expired item such as prescription medications, over-the counter medications, vitamins or antibiotics. It also can include illegal drugs, inhalers or narcotics.

Many people dispose of their medicinal waste by flushing it down the toilet, pouring it in the drain or throwing it in the garbage. This waste eventually ends up in a wastewater treatment plant. Since wastewater treatment plants are not designed to treat such complex compounds, they pass through and enter our lakes, rivers and streams.

Some chemicals found in medicinal waste have been shown to cause harm to the fish and wildlife living in and near these rivers and lakes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) are several regulatory agencies investigating the effects of pharmaceuticals. More information about the work of these agencies can be found at:

People can be exposed to these chemicals when they drink water from these sources impacted. However, there is no current conclusive scientific evidence linking pharmaceuticals found in drinking water to human health issues. Human exposure to these chemicals is extremely small. In fact, in order to ingest one 200 mg does of ibuprofen, one would have to consume roughly 150 million gallons of water.
 

WyMeds logoWYMEDS (Wyoming Medicinal Disposal Service) is a new City of Wyoming initiative designed to reduce the amount of pharmaceutical compounds entering the wastewater system and our environment. This program will allow residents to bring their un-used, expired or unwanted medications to local participating pharmacies. The pharmacist will sort the pharmaceuticals and hold them for disposal, which will be at the Kent County incinerator. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they are participating in the WYMEDS Program.

For a list of participating pharmacies, click here.

The City of Wyoming (WyMeds) wins its first award just 6 months into the program.

 

What will the pharmacist accept for disposal?

  • Non-controlled DEA Drugs
  • Prescription medications
  • Antibiotics/steroids
  • Cold and flu medications
  • Vitamins/herbal supplements
  • Pet medications
  • Medication Samples
  • Medicated ointments/lotions

How do I prepare the medication?

For both solids (pills) and liquids, scratch out or black out the patient name and address. The pharmacist must be able to see the medication type so he/she can properly sort it. Bring the bottle to the participating pharmacist so he/she can properly sort and dispose of the medication.

What won't the pharmacist accept?

  • DEA Controlled/Scheduled Drugs
  • Ampules, vials and IV bags
  • Hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, etc.
  • Aerosols
  • Business Waste
  • Narcotics/Illegal Drugs

Where do controlled substances go?

Illegal drugs, narcotics, medications that the DEA considers "Controlled Substances", and other waste that the pharmacist will not accept can be dropped off at the Wyoming Police Station, located at: 2300 DeHoop Avenue. A secure drop-off box is located at the site.

Secure drop-off box at Wyoming Police Department

What happens to the collected medication?

All collected pharmaceutical waste is taken to the Kent County incinerator for disposal. In 2009, over 600 pounds of pharmaceutical waste was incinerated!

Medical Waste

What about other medical waste?

  • Medical Waste such as IV bags, ampoules and vials: These Items should not be opened, other than to scratch out the patient's name. Wrap the items with duct or other opaque tape to minimize breakage, then place in an opaque plastic container such as empty yogurt or margarine tubs and dispose of in the garbage.
  • For Sharps/Needles:
    • Purchase a pre-paid sharps mail-back container from a drug store.
    • Purchase a sharps clipper device to remove the needle from the syringe.
    • Ask your pharmacist or health car provider to take back the used sharps.
    • Contact Clean Works Harm Reduction Needle Exchange at (616) 456-9063 or go to The Point is Needles Hurt for more information.
  • For chemotherapy drugs:
    These may require special handling. Work with your healthcare provider for proper disposal options.