Household Hazardous Waste Day is October 14;
prescriptions not eligible, require different disposal 

Broomfield’s fall Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 14.  Anyone with hazardous waste to get rid of can make an appointment to bring the items by calling 303.438.6336.  For details on what to bring, check the full page ad in the Enterprise. 

Unfortunately, the city cannot accept prescription medications for disposal. They are controlled substances and to accept them is illegal.  The city’s Environmental Services Division offers suggestions for disposal of prescriptions.

Prescription medications should never be flushed down the toilet as they will upset or possibly even kill the bacteria that process the wastewater at the Wastewater Plant.  The first thing residents should do is contact the dispensing pharmacy to see if it will take the back what remains of the prescription.  If the pharmacy won't take it back, the safest way to dispose of them is as follows:

• For Pills: Keep pills in their original container, remove labels, especially name and prescription number, which should be destroyed. Then, fill the container with glue (ie. Elmer's school glue). Let it harden to a solid.  When completely solid put the lid on and throw it in the regular trash.

• For Liquids: Pour in a Ziploc bag.  Add flour and mix to a very stiff paste.  Allow to air dry and harden in the Ziploc.  When completely solid, zip closed and throw in the regular trash.