Harford The Caregiver's Toolkit

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T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T 23
CHAPTER 2
DEMENTIA & SAFETY
Disposing of Medications Safely and Properly
Safe Disposal Guidelines for Medications - A Few Small Steps Can Make an
Important Difference in Safeguarding Lives and the Environment.
Follow medication providers’ instructions and use all medications as instructed. If you do
not use all prescribed or over-the-counter medications, you can take a few small steps
to make an impact in safeguarding lives and protecting the environment by disposing of
unused medicines properly:
* Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label or
accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so.
1. Check for approved state and local programs,
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sites. Call 410-638-3333 for the next drop
off date. There are also permanent drop off
boxes located at the following locations:
2. DO NOT FLUSH* unused medications and
DO NOT POUR them down a sink or drain.
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in household trash. When discarding unused
medications, ensure you protect children and
pets from potentially negative effects:
a. Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag.
If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule,
etc.), crush it or add water to dissolve it.
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any material that mixes with the medication
and makes it less appealing for pets and
children to eat) to the plastic bag.
c. Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash.
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information (prescription label) from all
medication containers before recycling
them or throwing them into the trash.
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local collection alternatives such as community based
household hazardous waste collection programs.
Harford County Sheriff’s
Main Office
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Harford County Sheriff’s
Northern Precinct
3724 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville
Harford County Sheriff’s
Southern Precinct
1305 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood
Maryland State Police
Bel Air Barrack
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Havre de Grace Police Department
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Havre de Grace
Aberdeen Police Department
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Harford County Department
of Community Services
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Helpful Links:
Guide to prescription disposal: