It used to be, you'd get rid of unused prescriptions by flushing them down the toilet. But, sewage treatment does not filter all the ingredients, and drinking water can contain high levels of antibiotics and other drugs---so now the EPA recommends incinerating the unused drugs, both prescription and over the counter. Lee Livermore, from the Upstate New York Poison Center, says the only way to do that is to drop the unwanted and unused drugs off at drug disposal days. Two are coming up:
>Ithaca, Saturday March 6 9am - 3pm at TCAT, 737 Willow Ave (www.recycletompkins.org or call 211)
>Syracuse/Eastwood: Saturday, March 20 9am-noon at Walgreens, James St at Grant Blvd (www.upstatepoison.org)
In both places they'll accept expired or unwanted over the counter medications, prescription drugs and controlled substances.
Liquids should be in plastic bags. No glass containers or vials, mercury or sharps are accepted.
