Don’t pour any pharmaceuticals or chemicals down sinks, toilets, or drains or dispose of in the trash.

Ensuring proper medication disposal is crucial to minimize health risks, preventing misuse and adverse effects. Less than 1% of patients return unused medication, increasing the likelihood of accidental ingestion by children and pets. Flushing medications down the toilet, a prevalent disposal method, poses risks of antibiotic resistance and water contamination. The improper disposal introduces pharmaceutical residue into water systems, threatening aquatic life. Education on safe disposal and encouraging return to designated collection sites can reduce these risks. Regulatory measures, such as those implemented in British Columbia, aim to address pharmaceutical waste through recycling regulations, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies to minimize environmental harm.