Testing hasn't been done in Billings, but officials agree that flushing unwanted medications is a bad idea.

"The absolute worst thing to do with unused pharmaceuticals is to flush them down the toilet," said Barb Butler, environmental compliance coordinator for the city's Solid Waste Division.

Susan Stanley, superintendent of the city's wastewater treatment plant, said not enough is known about how drugs that are put down the commode by hand or through natural processes affect the environment.

"It's something people are becoming aware of," Stanley said. "We are reading the data. We are trying to learn."

So far, regulatory agencies have not asked the wastewater plant to test its treated water for pharmaceutical residue. That might happen someday, but in the meantime, Stanley recommended disposing of medicines in other ways.

"The (medication) roundup is the best way to go," she said.

From Nov. 1-3, St. Vincent will accept medications in just about any form at its main lobby on North 30th Street from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Creams, pills, liquids and patches obtained over the counter or with prescriptions will be accepted.

"After a year, prescription medications should no longer be used," Manfull said. "It can be very dangerous."

Over time, medicines can break down into harmful compounds. Humid environs - such as the bathroom - can hasten that process.

St. Vincent will pulverize the pharmaceuticals in its autoclave and take the remains to the landfill.

Last year, the hospital collected 10 trash barrels of drugs, Manfull said. The oldest item had been sitting in someone's cupboard since 1987.

Diane Cochran may be reached at 657-1287 or dcochran@billingsgazette.com .

This is cache, read story here

Posted in login to post comments