Proper Drug Disposal

The Role of Hospice in Water Pollution Prevention

Presented by: Insert Name Here, Insert Organization Here

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Water & Wastewater Treatment

• Anything that goes down the drain is a potential pollutant that can end up in our rivers, lakes, streams & oceans

• These water bodies provide our drinking water • Water and wastewater treatment facilities are designed

to disinfect the water by killing micro-organisms, not to remove complex chemical compounds.

Impact to Aquatic Life

In addition to concern over human health & exposure, there is evidence suggesting water pollutants are impacting wildlife• Frogs:

– Reproductive abnormalities (Hermaphrodism, etc.)– Behavioral changes– Neurological, immune & urinary system failures

• Fish– Reduced mass & limb deformities – Delayed development, increased metamorphosis time – Neurological system failures

As these organisms are at the bottom of the food chain, consider how their predators could be impacted too

Pollutants of Concern

PPCPs (Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products):• Prescription Medication Cosmetics• Over-the-Counter Medicines Sunscreen Products• Veterinary Drugs Insect Repellent• Fragrances Vitamins• Lotions Antibacterial Soaps

Sources of PPCPs in the Environment

• Human and domestic animal metabolic excretion • Treated sewage effluent• Untreated sewage spills• Septic systems• Direct release (bathing, swimming, agriculture, aquaculture) • Illicit discharge (commercial or industrial facilities)• Landfill leachate

The Issue

• Water and wastewater treatment processes have not been designed to remove PPCPs

• While some PPCPs breakdown easily, others do not and pass through treatment into the environment

• Whenever possible we should keep these products out of the water system

Prevention

Reduce the volume of PPCPs entering the environment

• Proper disposal of medications is an effective measure that can be addressed immediately

• Be conscious of the products you purchase

• Consider the quantity of the product you purchase

Proper Disposal• Federal guidelines recommend the “mix & toss”

method, using undesirable substances

• Do not flush unless specifically instructed

• Disposal video

• Distribute written method and feedback form

DiscussionCurrent Disposal Practice

• How does this hospice organization dispose of medicine?

• Are you willing to try this alternative method?• What are your concerns regarding disposal?• Would your staff like to tour a wastewater

plant and see our process?

Thank You

The insert organization name encourages you to consider adopting the

pharmaceutical disposal method discussed today

Insert your name and contact here