Crush, Don't Flush

Dispose of Old Medicines Correctly - Both Prescription and Over-the-counter

For years we were told to "Crush & Flush" old drugs - but not anymore! The "Crush" part is still good, but the "Flush" part flushes the drugs into our water sources. To help keep medications out of our rivers and streams, follow these simple rules:

• "CRUSH" and dispose of old prescription drugs, aspirin and vitamins by following these steps:
  • Take drugs out of the original container;
  • Place old drugs on a piece of wax paper and fold the paper over the drugs;
  • Use household items to crush the materials, like a rolling pin, bell jar or heavy water glass or a meat tenderizer;
  • Place some dry cat litter or wood shavings in a plastic baggie, pour the crushed drugs into the cat litter, seal the baggie and toss all of it into the trash.

Common Questions

Why not just throw the drugs away in the bottle they came in, or just dump them whole into the trash?

Sometimes children or pets may be attracted to drugs, and being curious, may take them with the possibility of becoming very ill.

What about liquid drugs, capsules and powdered mixes?

Cat litter makes a perfect absorbent for liquid drugs. Open the capsules and pour the mixtures into the litter as well. Open the outdated packages of mix powder and pour them into the litter or wood shavings. Gel capsules can be placed whole into the cat litter.

Have Questions?

For more information, please call Environmental Health Services at 775-328-2434.