Pharmaceutical ingredient residues have been in focus through reports of their presence in surface water. While positive efforts have been made to properly dispose of drug products, an overwhelming majority of contaminants reach the environment through human excretion as metabolites.

On June 17, 2008, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Board of Directors formally announced its support for the SMARxT DISPOSAL program, an initiative of  the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

The safest and most effective drug disposal method is through proper at-home disposal. SMARxt DISPOSAL advises consumers to:  

• Not flush or pour unused medicines down a sink or drain.
• Place medicines to be disposed in a sealable plastic bag. If the medicine is a solid, crush it or add water to dissolve it.
• Add something undesirable (cat litter, coffee grounds, etc.).
• Dispose of sealed bag in household trash.

For more information, visit the SMARxT Disposal: A Prescription for a Healthy Program campaign web site. CHPA is pleased support this initiative.