[Pharmwaste] RE: Trash Disposal of Pharmaceuticals Pharmwast e digest, Vol 1 # 83 - 2 msgs

[Heather Mispagel]

Jeff,

Your point is a good one, and one that should be considered. 
Over prescription of drugs is a documented problem.  This
definately needs to be addressed for more reasons that purely
the drugs in the wastewater.  However, there are a few things
to consider.  It is also known that, when we use
pharmaceuticals, we excrete some of the un-metabolized drug,
although the exact concentrations have not been researched. 
This exctetion of pharmaceuticals in our waste stream is
present, however, these drugs have been used for a purpose
(assuming the doctor prescribed acurately) and is present in
much more diluted portions than when Hospice, or any other
consumer, disposes of all medications down the drain (which is
a practice that, as far as I can tell, is mandated by the
Georgia Hospice and recommended by many large organizations
and hazardous waste programs currently).  This influx of
concentrated pharmaceuticals is unnecessary and wasteful. 
That is the main difference.  Regardless, there is currently
no way to dispose of drugs other than the trash or the toilet,
neither of which are acceptable.  Thus, the need for waste
collection programs that will remove these meds from a waste
stream.

Hope this clarified the topic a little.

-Heather Mispagel