Many of the chemicals found in prescription and non-prescription drugs are not effectively removed from the water system at the treatment plant and remain in municipal water. Human waste is already contributing to the level of drug traces found in municipal water supplies; dumping medication directly into the drain or toilet only exacerbates this problem. Clean out your nurse's station monthly.
This also applies to expired prescriptions that have been left behind. If you can send unused perscriptions home with the child, that's always the best option. (Especially concerning liquid medicines, where there's usually a little bit left over after the last dose.) But, if you can't send them home with the child, the best alternative is to dispose of them at a local pharmacy.
This article originally appeared in an online article at Suite101.com.
