The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) today signed a formal agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) to help protect the nations fish and aquatic resources from the improper disposal of medication. The campaign -- dubbed "SMARxT DISPOSAL" -- will inform people on how to safely dispose of medicines in the trash, and highlight the environmental threat posed from flushing medicines down the toilet.
"Trace amounts of chemical compounds often associated with medications have been increasingly detected in our waters, the very waters that support our nations fish and other wildlife," said Gary Frazer, Assistant Director of Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "While uncertainty still exists about the impact of these chemicals, USFWS, PhRMA and the APhA recognize the value of getting in front of the issue by passing along a few easy steps: dont flush those medicines, crush the medicines in a plastic bag, add coffee-grounds, sawdust or kitty-litter, seal the bag and put it in the trash. In other words, crush...dont flush."
The partnership was announced during APhAs annual meeting held in San Diego, California, one of the largest gatherings of pharmacy professionals and health services providers in the country.
