I recently read an article about what to do with medicines that have expired. The recommendation is to mix the medications with coffee grounds and toss them in the garbage. Many people flush pills down the toilet, but this can be harmful to waterways and their ecosystems.

Instead, I learned that you should mix most expired pills with coffee grounds, cat litter, or sawdust in a zippered plastic bag and throw it out in the garbage.  Doing this will keep the pills away from kids and pets. It will also prevent harm to fish and other wildlife habitats.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that some controlled substances should be flushed down the toilet. Medicines that should be flushed are highly addictive drugs, like Percocet and OxyContin, so that it eliminates any chance of accidental injestion.

For more information on how to get rid of expired pills and for a complete list of medicines that should be flushed, visit: smarxtdisposal.net.