This page was printed from the City of Brea's website.
http://www.cityofbrea.net
http://www.cityofbrea.net
STAY INFORMED
>> Recycling & Waste
Pollution Danger: Pharmaceutical Disposal
An area of growing concern for environmental safety is the discovery of increased quantities of pollutants from pharmaceutical products in water sources. Improper disposal of these drugs and other personal care products endanger the environment just as do pesticides, automotive fluids and other chemicals. These can NOT be disposed of by flushing down drains or toilets.
A simple rule to follow: NO DRUGS DOWN THE DRAIN!
Consumer cosmetic products and prescription drugs contain many powerful ingredients that have been found to migrate into water streams. Citizens must become partners in proper disposal of such items just as they must be responsible to channel their other hazardous materials and electronic waste for safe handling. Emerging pollutants include personal products that contain antibiotics, steroids, hormones and miscellaneous chemicals such as caffeine, cholesterol or even pesticides. These are entering your local waterways not only from commercial and industrial sources, but also from private residences!
In general, prescription medications should always be completely consumed as directed. When medications are left over for whatever reason, or expired , these should be packaged for disposal so that children or pets can not gain access and then thrown away in the trash. It is suggested that they be mixed with other undesirable materials such as old coffee grounds so as not to be tempting for retrieval.
The better solution is to gather them along with any other hazardous materials from your home, garage or garden and periodically take them to the nearby Household Hazardous Waste Center. The facility nearest Brea is:
1071 N. Blue Gum Street
Anaheim, CA
This is located near the intersection of the 57 and 91 Freeways, just off of La Palma Avenue.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Call 714 834-6752 with questions.
A simple rule to follow: NO DRUGS DOWN THE DRAIN!
Consumer cosmetic products and prescription drugs contain many powerful ingredients that have been found to migrate into water streams. Citizens must become partners in proper disposal of such items just as they must be responsible to channel their other hazardous materials and electronic waste for safe handling. Emerging pollutants include personal products that contain antibiotics, steroids, hormones and miscellaneous chemicals such as caffeine, cholesterol or even pesticides. These are entering your local waterways not only from commercial and industrial sources, but also from private residences!
In general, prescription medications should always be completely consumed as directed. When medications are left over for whatever reason, or expired , these should be packaged for disposal so that children or pets can not gain access and then thrown away in the trash. It is suggested that they be mixed with other undesirable materials such as old coffee grounds so as not to be tempting for retrieval.
The better solution is to gather them along with any other hazardous materials from your home, garage or garden and periodically take them to the nearby Household Hazardous Waste Center. The facility nearest Brea is:
1071 N. Blue Gum Street
Anaheim, CA
This is located near the intersection of the 57 and 91 Freeways, just off of La Palma Avenue.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Call 714 834-6752 with questions.
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