The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recommends residents do not dispose of expired or unwanted medications down the drain. Instead, the agency says, put them in the trash after taking steps to prevent children, animals and others from coming into contact with them.

Recommendations:

• Keep the medication in its original container. Leave content and safety information clearly visible, but scratch out the patient' name or cover it with permanent marker.
• Modify the contents to discourage consumption. Add a small amount of water or vinegar to pills or capsules to partially dissolve them. Add table salt, flour or a powdered spice to liquids.
• Seal and conceal the medication container. Tape the lid shut with duct tape and place the container inside a non-transparent piece of trash, such as an empty margarine tub. Do not conceal medications in food.
• Discard the container in the garbage, not in the recycle bin.

In addition, the MPCA is working with hospitals, generators of pharmaceuticals and government agencies to develop feasible disposal methods, MPCA materials said. Additional information is available here: [PDF]. More disposal information for individuals is available on MPCA's Web site.

Flushing or washing medication down the drain may harm fish and wildlife - some hormones and antidepressants interfere with the reproduction and normal growth of aquatic species. Recent studies have found drug substances in Minnesota waters.