There is no denying that modern medicine has contributed to healthier lifestyles for humans. From antibiotics to anti-depressants, our lives have become dependent upon pharmaceuticals for cures from our ailments and the older we get the more dependent we tend to become. The average senior takes two to seven prescriptions daily.

But what becomes of old or unused medications that accumulate in the medicine cabinet?

Many doctors and poison control centers advise flushing them down the toilet where they enter the waste stream. Unfortunately, many of these medications have side effects... to the aquatic environment and the critters that live there. During the last decade, concern has grown about potentially adverse effects of drugs released in the environment through treated wastewater. Several studies found that small concentrations remain in waterways nationwide.

While many pharmaceuticals do not remain in waterways for long periods of time, the continual input into a body of water can have the impact of a steady concentration of these substances. A 2000 study by the United States Geological Survey of 139 rivers and streams detected significant levels of pharmaceuticals although the concentrations were low. These compounds have proven to interfere with the growth and reproduction of fish, frogs and other aquatic organisms.

Drugs enter wastewater treatment plants from two sources: 1) excretion by the human body and (2) disposal of unused or expired medicines down the toilet or drain. Hospitals and private residences account for the majority of these pharmaceuticals entering the plants. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to remove biodegradable organic material but they are not designed to remove low concentrations of synthetic pollutants.

The plan of action to address the reduction of pharmaceuticals in the environment is to educate hospitals and residents that unused or expired medications should NOT be flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain. Putting them in the garbage risks ground water contamination as well. What to do?

The Sonoma County Water Agency has spearheaded a pilot program in the towns of Sonoma and Guerneville where residents can "take back" their unused medicines to several locations for safe disposal by a bio-waste management company. This program started in November and will last through May and is part of a public education and outreach campaign to encourage lifecycle stewardship of pharmaceuticals. Information flyers have been distributed throughout these two communities and are available at the participating locations listed below.

Please be part of the solution to this emerging challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this important pilot project which, if successful, will provide the county with a template for a countywide program.

Safe medicine disposal means safer water for humans and fish so don't let your medicine go down the drain!

Sonoma Participants

Rite Aide Pharmacy/ Maxwell Village Shopping Center
Safeway Pharmacy
Long's Drugs
Sonoma County Sheriff's Dept./Valley Substation Grove St.
Sonoma Police Dept.

Guerneville Participants

Safeway Pharmacy
Lark's Drugs
Sonoma County Sheriff