Pill bags a solution to expired medication

Leaving them in the medicine cabinet or flushing them poses dangers.
Deterra, a new type of drug disposal bag allows for unused or expired prescriptions to be rendered inert and disposed in a landfill. CHRIS STEWART / STAFF

Deterra, a new type of drug disposal bag allows for unused or expired prescriptions to be rendered inert and disposed in a landfill. CHRIS STEWART / STAFF
Crime & Law
By Chris Stewart
Jan 25, 2017
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Everyone has unused and expired pills in the medicine cabinet. But few get around to taking the pharmaceuticals to a drop-off location to be disposed of properly.

“I have prescriptions from 2010 and I know better,” said Ann Stevens, spokeswoman for Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS).

But a new type of drug disposal pouch may help people get rid of those drugs more conveniently — and without the environmental hazard of flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet.

The Deterra Drug Deactivation System bags — under review by ADAMHS — renders unused pharmaceuticals nearly inert — making them useless to a user and safe for landfill disposal.

Just add warm water, toss in the drugs you want to get rid of, shake and throw the bag in the trash.

ADAMHS purchased 400 recently to hand out at events and distribute free through two Dayton pharmacies. The board will soon vote on how many more to purchase using an Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services grant.

ExploreFor more information on the bags, click here.
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