Medications Disposal
It is no longer acceptable for residents to flush their unused or outdated prescriptions and over-the-counter medications into the sewer system. Medications may enter the environment by passing through wastewater treatment plants or septic systems virtually untreated. To protect our water quality, bring outdated/unused prescriptions (excluding controlled substances) to any Boise Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site.
Federal regulations prohibit any of the household hazardous waste collection sites or the Ada County Hidden Hollow Sanitary Landfill from accepting controlled substances. A controlled substance is a drug which, due to its abuse potential, is regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. If you are unsure if your prescription is a controlled substance, ask your pharmacist to assist you in determining if your prescription qualifies as a controlled substance.
If you have a controlled substance, do not flush it down the toilet or drain. Instead, follow these guidelines:
- Take drug(s) out of original container.
- Mix drug(s) with an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter.
- Put mixture in a nondescript container, such as empty cans or sealable bags (to further insure drugs are not diverted or accidently ingested by children or pets.
- Bury in trash.
For a listing of controlled substances, refer to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's webpage.