HOW TO DISPOSE Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you may be able to take advantage of community drug take‐back programs or other programs, such as household hazardous waste collection events, that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. If a drug take‐back or collection program is not available: 1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers. 2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds. 3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag. 4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off. 5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash. www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY Protecting Our Kids, Communities and Waters from Drugs Protect Our waters    A vast array of pharmaceuticals— including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones—have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, according to an Associated Press investigation. (USA Today, 3/11/08) Unused medications that are flushed or poured down the drain pollute the water supply Flushed drugs aren’t removed in sewage treatment plants or septic tank systems-they enter the soil, rivers and streams and groundwater  Exposure to drugs found in waterways harms fish and other aquatic life  Pollution prevention is the best way to clean up the environment DO NOT FLUSH  PROTECT OUR KIDS Flushing prescription and over-the-counter drugs down the toilet or pouring them down the sink is dangerous for humans, animals and the environment Poisoning from prescription medication is a DO NOT STORE  Keeping unused medications creates a dangerous opportunity for accidental poisoning or illicit drug use  More than 70% of prescription drug abusers say they get the medications from friends or relatives for free or by theft A better choice growing problem in North Carolina Since 1999 nearly 4,500 people have died from prescription drug poisoning  More than 75% of all unintentional poisonings are by over-the-counter and prescription medications  Approximately 40% of injuries from unintentional poisonings occur in children under five years of age  Lock up the medicines you use now.   Bring unused or unwanted medications to the location listed on the front of this flier 1 in 5 teens has abused a prescription pain medicine  1 in 5 teens has abused prescription stimulants and tranquilizers  1 in 10 has abused cough medicine  Teens think these drugs are safe because they have legitimate uses. Make sure your kids and grandkids know that taking them without a prescription is just as dangerousand addictive-as using street narcotics and illicit drugs  Operation Medicine Drop will take your unwanted drugs and will dispose of them in a safe and non-hazardous manner  Operation Medicine Drop provides a way to join the fight against drug abuse, protect your family and pets against accidental ingestion and help keep our water clean and safe  Drop off is anonymous, quick and easy