February 2008

Every day, people flush medications down sink drains and toilets, and these medications make their way into local waterways. In fact, 80 percent of U.S. waterways tested by the U.S. Geological Survey were found to have at least one pharmaceutical component present, which contributes to pollution and harms fish and other wildlife.

Now, PAMF patients and Palo Alto residents who have unwanted or expired prescription and/or over-the-counter medications may now dispose of them safely in a special pharmaceutical container located in the Pharmacy Department on PAMF’s Palo Alto campus.

This container, which is part of a year-long pilot program sponsored by the City of Palo Alto and PAMF, will provide PAMF patients and Palo Alto residents with a safe, convenient way to dispose of medications. Simply gather unwanted medications and other approved items (see sidebar), mark out any personal information listed on medication containers, bring the items to PAMF’s pharmacy and place the medication in the disposal container.

Accepted Items

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications and/or samples
  
• Medications for pets
  
• Vitamins
  
• Medicated ointments/lotions
  
• Inhalers
  
• Liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers

• Needles (Sharps)
  
• Thermometers
  
• Controlled substances (narcotics)
  
• I.V. bags
  
• Bloody or infectious waste
  
• Personal care products
  
• Business waste
  
• Empty containers
  
• Hydrogen peroxide
  
• Aerosol cans