HOW CAN I HELP?

Proper Disposal of Unwanted Information:

The presence of pharmaceuticals at very low concentrations in the surface water has garnered some media attention in the past year. To help the community understand how they can help, the Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) has created guidelines for handling the disposal of medications.

You can also download a copy of the guidelines from DHEC here or follow DHEC's instructions below.

• Keep the medicine in its original container. The labels may contain safety information and the caps are typically child proof. Leaving the contact information clearly visible, cover the patient's name with a permanent marker.
• Modify the medicines to discourage consumption. For solids, such as pills or capsules, add a small amount of water to the bottle to at least partially dissolve them. For liquid medicines, such as enough table salt, flour or powdered spice (such as turmeric or mustard) to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from taking it.
• Seal and conceal. Tape the container's lid shut with packing or duct tape. Place it in a bag or container such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.
• Discard the container in your garbage can. Do not place it in the recycling bin.

REMINDER! ALL MEDICINE SHOULD BE KEPT SECURE AND OUT OF REACH OF THE CHILDREN!

In addition to properly disposing of existing medications, there are also ways to reduce unwanted medicines:

• Buy only what you need.
• Centralize all medications in one location in your home. This will limit purchasing products you already have.
• Say no to samples that you won't use.

Click here to learn more about how improper disposal can harm our environment.