If you do not use all of your prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you can take a few small steps that will make an impact in safeguarding lives and protecting our environment. Here are three steps to help you dispose of unused medicines properly:

1)      Do not flush any unused medications and do not pour them down a sink or drain.

2)      Be proactive and dispose of unused medication in household trash. When discarding unused medications, make sure you protect children and pets from potentially harmful exposure:

a.       Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it or add water to dissolve it.

b.      Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the medication and makes it less appealing for pets and children to eat) to the plastic bag.

c.       Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash.

d.      Remove and destroy all identifying personal information (prescription label) from all medication containers before recycling them or throwing them into the trash.

3)      The city coordinates with the appropriate agencies to hold occasional take-back events. For information about these events and other approved state and local collection programs, visit www.raleighnc.gov (search Safeleigh). Also, ask your local pharmacy whether it collects unused and/or expired medications.