Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out all of the supplements, narcotics and other drugs that enter your sewer system via sinks and toilets. That causes concern among some people about contamination in drinking and ground water supplies. Some drugs are too dangerous to simply toss in the garbage can because of the risk of accidental overdose or contamination. Most supplements are not too dangerous to toss in your garbage, but you still should handle them responsibly.
Step 1
Read the label and follow the specific disposal instructions.
Step 2
Mix any pills that don't have disposal instructions with something unappealing. Using a plastic bag or a plastic container with a lid, combine your expired supplements and pills with spoiled food from your refrigerator, used coffee grounds, dirty diapers or used cat litter.
Step 3
Seal the mixture in your container. Secure the lid on plastic container or zip your plastic bag closed. In most cases, that should be secure enough, but if you're worried the container may open and spill before it leaves your house -- causing unpleasant odors and mess -- fasten some packing tape or duct tape around the seal to make it more secure.
Step 4
Dispose of the container in your normal trash.
Tips and Warnings
- Community take-back programs are gaining popularity because of concerns about proper disposal of medications and supplements. Check your local community events calendar to see if there is a take-back program available in your area.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bag or container
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