Question

question 61

a pharmacy technician is preparing to dispose of unused medications from a patient return. which of the following is the most environmentally appropriate method for disposing of most non-hazardous, non-controlled medications?

• throwing them into the regular trash without modification
• using a community drug take-back program or authorized collection site
• mixing them with an undesirable substance and discarding in the trash
• flushing the medications down the toilet

Explanation:

Analyze the disposal options

Using the Medication Disposal knowledge point

• Throwing them into the regular trash without modification: This is unsafe as it allows easy access to medications, leading to potential accidental poisoning or diversion.
• Using a community drug take-back program or authorized collection site: This is the most environmentally appropriate and secure method for disposing of non-hazardous, non-controlled medications, as it ensures they are incinerated or disposed of according to strict environmental regulations.
• Mixing them with an undesirable substance and discarding in the trash: While this is a recommended alternative if a take-back program is unavailable, it is a secondary option. A take-back program remains the most environmentally appropriate primary choice.
• Flushing the medications down the toilet: This should only be done for specific medications on the FDA flush list. Flushing other medications introduces active pharmaceutical ingredients into the water supply, harming aquatic life.

Answer:

• (A) Throwing them into the regular trash without modification
• (B) Using a community drug take-back program or authorized collection site (Correct answer)
• (C) Mixing them with an undesirable substance and discarding in the trash
• (D) Flushing the medications down the toilet