Help protect our drinking water, rivers and aquatic life by properly disposing unused or expired medication.

Medications flushed down the drain can contaminate our lakes and streams, which can hurt fish and other aquatic wildlife, and may end up in our drinking water.

There are many alternatives to flushing or pouring medications down the drain.  Many communities have a medication return drop box at their local police station, where medications can be disposed of, free and anonymously.  Needles and sharps are generally disposed of at a local Board of Health.

Please contact your local police department or Board of Health for more information.

Reasons for proper disposal

• Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to remove these contaminants.
• Some medications, such as hormones and antidepressants, include endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), which interfere with the reproduction and normal growth of many aquatic species, such as frogs and fish.
• Reducing the amount of chemicals flushed down the drain will benefit humans, fish and other aquatic life.
• Services are free and anonymous.
• Dropped off drugs are disposed of properly.