Potential hazards
Toxic; may be harmful or fatal if ingested, especially by children or the elderly. Flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet can contaminate nearby rivers and water supplies.
Use
Read labels on all products carefully before using.
Mr. Yuk stickers
The Oregon Poison Control Center provides Mr. Yuk stickers to put on hazardous household products. Show the stickers to children and teach them to leave those products alone.
Storage
Store all medicines with child-resistant caps. Keep them in a secure place in the original container with the name of the drug and recommended dose on the label.
Disposal
Best
- Unwanted and unused drugs may be dropped at some police and sheriff station offices.
- Take medications to a Metro hazardous waste facility or collection event. Prescription pills should be out of original containers, placed loose in a plastic bag.
Second Best: As a last resort, you may dispose of medications in your home garbage. Dump into a plastic bag with used cat litter or damp coffee grounds to discourage pilfering. Pour liquids into a plastic bag containing absorbent material such as flour or cat litter.