Why don most household hazardous waste (HHW) collections accept medications?
Historically pharmaceuticals were not collected at HHW collections. In light of the recent finding that pharmaceuticals are entering waterways, communities are expanding collections when possible to include pharmaceuticals. Collecting drugs at a HHW event however is expensive for the facility. Collecting pharmaceuticals can involve a licensed pharmacist, who can identify, sort, and record the pharmaceuticals accepted and a law enforcement officer to take possession of the collected drugs and transport them to a waste to energy incineration facility. Disposal of the collected drugs can also be costly to the sponsors of the collection program.
