Proper Disposal Of Unused Medications

• Keep unwanted prescription medications out of the environment. 
• Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility’s treatment processes cannot remove all medications flushed or poured down the drain. 
• United States Geological Survey (USGS ) research found that 80 percent of the streams in the US, and nearly 25 percent of the nation’s groundwater sampled, are contaminated with medications. 
• Trace amounts of more than 150 different human and veterinary medicines have been detected in the environment.  Research shows that low levels of pharmaceutical drugs and other organic chemicals such as PCBs  and phthalates (chemicals used in plastics) in our waterways can harm wildlife.
• Proper disposal of prescription medicines keeps unused drugs away from children. 
  Keep these prescription medicines away from children and out of our waterways by using Providence Alaska Medical Center’s Medication Collection Unit at the Medical Art Pharmacy, 3300 Providence Dr., Suite 101.  
• Deterra Drug Deactivation System - packets for proper drug disposal available free of charge at AWWU Customer Service counter and at the Anchorage Health Department.
• Practice safe and easy disposal methods:
• Do Not flush medications down the toilet.
• Use safe disposal sites to dispose of unwanted medications. 
• Participate in Drug Take-Back Programs!

Medication can be deposited in the unit in its original container or by emptying medication into a plastic bag. Not accepted are syringes, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, aerosol cans and medication from businesses or clinics.

Medication disposal is completely confidential and the deposited medication is sent to a facility for incineration. Providence does not examine the contents of the unit prior to the medication being sent to the incineration facility. Additionally, the unit is kept locked and secure to ensure unauthorized people cannot access the contents. Have questions? Please call (907) 212-5090. 

For More Information:

• For additional details go to www.dea.gov  or  dial 2-1-1  Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
• AWWU Customer Service - 564-2700, or CustomerService@awwu.biz