Residents with expired or excess prescription medications should no longer use toilet flushing or drain disposal to get rid of them. The Environmental Protection Agency has shown that flushing and drain disposal can have serious negative consequences for the aquatic environment.

Instead, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has outlined an environmentally preferred disposal option for over-the-counter and prescription medications: Simply crush and dissolve pills in water, coffee, or another liquid, then make a paste by adding coffee grounds or kitty litter. Place the paste in a closed container, such as a sour cream tub, and put it in the trash.