Unwanted Medicines
Pharmaceuticals thrown in the trash can leach into the environment. Flushed drugs can kill bacteria that break down waste in sewage plants, damage septic systems, and contaminate nearby waterways and harm aquatic wildlife. For residents with septic tanks, medications discarded down the drain or toilet can leach into the ground and seep into ground water. In cities and towns serviced by wastewater treatment plants, medications may enter rivers and lakes by passing through the treatment system, flow downstream and serve as drinking water for other communities.
A 2008 Associated Press investigation found pharmaceuticals in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas.
Proper disposal of medication also prevents poisoning of children and pets; deters misuse; avoids health problems from accidentally taking the wrong medication; and keeps medicine from entering streams and rivers when poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.
Dispose of your unwanted/expired prescription medications properly!
Prescription medication disposal sites (no sharps -- needles, syringes accepted):
- Mobile Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection
- Valparaiso Police Department, 355 S. Washington St.
- Portage Police Department, 2693 Irving St.
- Hebron Police Department, 106 East Sigler St. (only available Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) -- no liquids or metal nasal spray bottles
- Porter Police Department, 50 Francis St. -- no liquids or liquid capsules
- Chesterton Police Department, 790 Broadway
Participating Pharmacies:
- Fagen:
390 W US HWY 6 (South Haven) 219-762-7726
3125 N. Calumet Avenue (Valparaiso) 219-462-4381 - Valparaiso Professional Pharmacy:
2101 Evans Ave. #101 (Valparaiso) 219-462-1484 - PharmaCard Pharmacy:
6036 Lute Rd. Ste. A (Portage) 219-763-3466
2005 Rooselvelt Rd. Ste. A (Valparaiso) 219-464-0404
Helpful Links:
IDEM information: http://www.ai.org/recycle/6141.htm
IL-IN Sea Grant Toolkit to Community Action: http://www.iisgcp.org/unwantedmeds/
Recycling & Waste Reduction District
of Porter County
155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 314 • Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone 219 / 465-3694 Fax 219 / 465-3696
Dispose of prescriptions/Add one
For a listing of products accepted at household hazardous waste collection events, visit www.ItMeansTheWorld.org or call 465-3694.
Proper disposal of medication prevents poisoning of children and pets; deters misuse; avoids health problems from accidentally taking the wrong medication; and keeps medicine from entering streams and rivers when poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.
For residents with septic tanks, medications discarded down the drain or toilet can leach into the ground and seep into ground water. In cities and towns serviced by wastewater treatment plants, medications may enter rivers and lakes by passing through the treatment system, flow downstream and serve as drinking water for other communities.
