How to dispose of Rx drugs safely

With the rise in prescription drug abuse, three federal agencies issued guidelines earlier this year for disposing of medications without harming the environment.

_Remove unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs from their original containers.

_Mix prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, like used coffee grounds or cat litter, and put them in impermeable, nondescript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags.

_Throw containers in the trash.

_Don't flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless the accompanying patient information says specifically it is safe to do so.

_Return drugs to pharmaceutical take-back sites that allow consumers to return unused drugs for safe disposal.

Sources: White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency.