Colorado QMAP Practice Exam

What is the recommended disposal method for unused medication?

1. Flush it down the toilet

2. Mix it with coffee grounds, vinegar, or cat litter in garbage

3. Return it to the pharmacy

4. Burn it in a safe environment

The correct answer is: Mix it with coffee grounds, vinegar, or cat litter in garbage

Mixing unused medication with substances like coffee grounds, vinegar, or cat litter before disposing of it in the garbage is recommended because it helps to deter accidental ingestion by children and pets. This method also ensures that the medication is rendered unpalatable and less recognizable, reducing the likelihood of misuse. Additionally, throwing it in the trash rather than flushing it helps prevent environmental contamination, as certain medications can disrupt water systems and pose risks to aquatic life. The other disposal methods, while sometimes suggested in various contexts, are not the safest or most environmentally responsible. Flushing medications down the toilet can lead to water supply contamination, and burning them poses risks of releasing harmful chemicals into the air. Returning a medication to the pharmacy is not always feasible for all types of drugs, though it is a good policy if the pharmacy has a take-back program. Utilizing the mixing method strikes a balance between safety and environmental responsibility.