Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Dos and Don'ts
Every household has old medications lying around, in drawers, cabinets and even the shelves of the bathroom. They might have expired but we don't want to throw them away, thinking the day they might come in handy. But holding on to unused medicines can be dangerous and it's essential to dispose of them safely. It is in the best interest of everyone to remove unwanted, unused or expired medicine from their homes. And, that is exactly what the DEA is aiming for with its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for April 30th, 2016.
This event is a chance for people to safely dispose of their unused prescription medications gathering dust in their cabinets, in order to prevent misuse, accidental exposure, theft, and overdose. Not only will safe disposal help to protect individuals and families from these dangers, but it can also benefit the environment. When old medicines and prescription drugs are thrown away in the trash, or flushed down the toilet, they can potentially harm the environment. Unfortunately, proper medication disposal is often overlooked and not enough people know how to properly dispose of them.
This is where the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) comes in and every year they try to increase public awareness with their National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The DEA collects thousands of pounds of prescription drugs on this day, making it a great opportunity for the public to make a positive impact on their health, their environment, and their safety. According to the DEA, "Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue and can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse."
Dealing with old or unused medication can be a tricky and confusing process for some people, but there are both do's and don'ts to follow that can ensure the safe disposal of medicine.
Do's:
- Find a registered take-back location. The DEA's website has a locator tool to easily find a place to dispose of old prescription drugs.
- Take advantage of your community's disposal program. This program provides safe and convenient ways to dispose of opioids and other prescription drugs.
- Always read and follow the label instructions on how to dispose of medication.
- Remember, it is important to dispose of medication all year long, not just during prescription drug take back day.
- Keep the medication in a secure location prior to disposal.
- Crush medication and mix with an unwanted substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter.
- Keep the medication out of reach of children.
Don'ts:
- Do not throw medication in the trash or down the toilet.
- Do not just keep old medicines lying around.
- Do not self-medicate with old prescriptions as the expiration date could pose a risk to your health.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet, as it can contaminate the water supply.
The Challenge of Disposing of Contact Lenses
Proper disposal is not limited to prescription drugs, as contact lenses can also have a negative impact on the environment when not properly disposed of. While they may seem small and harmless, they are often overlooked by the public as a potential danger to the environment. In light of this, DB has created natural looking color contact lenses for people who want to switch up their look or those who want to brighten up their eyes.
Throughout their production process, DB has taken steps to make their products safe and environmentally friendly. Their lenses are designed to be easily disposed of without harming the environment. This is just one way they have prioritized the safety of their customers and the health of the planet.
Take Action and Dispose of Old Prescription Drugs
With the upcoming Prescription Drug Take Back Day, it's the perfect opportunity to dispose of old medication and make a positive change. The event promotes a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, and it is up to us to do our part. By following the information provided and working together, we can keep our homes and communities safer, one medication at a time.
In conclusion, the upcoming Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a crucial event to attend and gives everyone a chance to do their part in keeping their homes and the environment clean and safe. By following simple guidelines, we can make sure prescription drugs serve their intended purpose, instead of posing as a danger due to improper disposal. We should always access approved collection sites and follow the prescribed guidelines provided by the DEA. The environment will thank us, and we can all rest easy knowing we took the right steps to ensure our safety and promote responsible use of prescription drugs.