Use fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides wisely. Also, seek alternative uses to chemicals by carefully selecting native plants which don't need a lot of water, pesticides or herbicides.

-Henry the Water Drop

Henry Says
Henry Says

Proper disposal of household hazardous waste such as used motor oil, oil-based paint, cleaning solvents, anti-freeze, pesticides and herbicides, etc. is critical to prevent groundwater contamination and to protect surface waters. If these products are dumped on the ground they can seep down into the groundwater, contaminating our drinking water supply. Also, if these products are dumped into storm drains they will pollute area lakes, streams and rivers and affect the health of aquatic wildlife.

What should I do with my old prescription drugs?

To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you may be able to also take advantage of community drug take-back programs, such as household hazardous waste collection events, that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government's household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug take-back program is available in your community. In Kalamazoo County and some other neighboring communities, please contact the Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center,1301 Lamont Street, Kalamazoo at (269) 373-5211 to find out when the next collection event is scheduled or any other questions regarding the disposal of hazardous household chemicals.

If a drug take-back or collection program is not available:

  1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
  2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
  3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
  4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with a black permanent marker or duct tape or by scratching it off.
  5. Place the sealed container with the mixture and the empty drug containers in the trash.

Should I flush prescription drugs down the toilet?

If you own a septic tank, have it cleaned and serviced regularly to prevent a system failure.

No matter where you live, please do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.

Thanks for being part of the solution.