by Kim Erndt
Published in News-Gazette

Kudos to News-Gazette editors who chose to put the articles about disposing pharmaceuticals on the front pages of your September 15 and 16 editions. This is an issue we will all be hearing much more about in the next few years, and Prairie Rivers Network was pleased to see such a great educational piece for Central Illinois residents.We know from research studies that pharmaceutical chemicals in rivers adversely impact aquatic life in several ways, including abnormal reproductive development in fish. The articles printed in the News-Gazette point out some critical challenges related to proper disposal of pharmaceuticals: lack of knowledge and inconsistent disposal practices in the healthcare industry, and contradictory messaging about proper disposal from federal agencies.

These issues are impacting pharmaceutical disposal practices in Illinois, as was made clear during testimony given last week during an Illinois Senate’s Public Health Committee hearing. Representatives from the Illinois Council on Long Term Care and the Health Care Council of Illinois confirmed that federal Drug Enforcement Agency regulations often leave them with no other option than flushing to dispose of potent narcotics. Home health care and hospice professionals have expressed their frustration at inconsistent disposal policies even when the pharmaceuticals they flush are not controlled substances.

The hearing witnesses themselves demonstrated the confusion over proper disposal methods; some promoted no flushing and others promoted disposal via the trash. Disposal methods would not be an issue if easily accessible, permanent facilities or collection points were established throughout the state. As the only permanent facilities are in the Chicago area, the next best disposal option of one-day collection events is possible only if communities have the resources or can partner with the Illinois EPA, which also has limited funding. While some counties, communities and pharmacies are working to provide pharmaceutical collections, much more is needed to reach all of Illinois’ residents.