What are pharmaceuticals?

Pharmaceuticals are prescribed or over-the-counter drugs and medications used for medical treatment of people and our animals.

What sort of environmental effects are caused by flushing medications?

Hormones found in medications may cause antibiotic resistant bacteria. Consequently, the bacteria survive and multiply, making it difficult to combat. Long-term health effects on marine life and humans are not yet determined, but it is clear that proactive measures need to be taken to keep medications out of the water.

How should I dispose of my unwanted medication?

Trashing medicine is a better option than flushing. However, precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of children and animals.

• Liquids
  • Empty liquid medication onto absorbent paper towels or rags and dispose of with regular trash
• Propellant Inhaler
  • Empty container by expelling all propellant. Dispose of small empty cylinder in trash.
• Pills
  • Capsules and tablets should be made unusable and unattractive by wetting, breaking, and crushing.  The remains should be placed in the original childproof container with all your personal information removed, sealed with tape and tossed in the trash. Or, another option is to mix the medication with decaying food, used coffee grounds, or kitty litter for disposal with your household trash.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility adjacent to the San Bernardino International Airport at 2824 East W Street will also accept medicines. The Collection Facility is open Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.