Keep Ohio Waters Clean

 

You  can help keep Ohio's waters clean.

Do not flush medicines (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, patches) or personal care products (PCP's) down the drain or toilet.
 

Department of Justice National Take-Back Initiative
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
 
Responsible Medication Disposal Safeguards Lives and Protects the Environment
http://www.smarxtdisposal.net/

Visit EPA's Water: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products web page
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/ppcp/

Requirements for a Pharmaceutical Collection in Ohio
http://www.epa.ohio.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=69l3sgdFwdw%3d&tabid=4489
Top Ten Things Not to Flush
The Ohio Water Environment Association surveyed Ohio's water quality professionals to determine the "Top Ten Things Not to Flush".  Please keep in mind that everything that is flushed or put down a drain has to be cleaned and removed before treated water can be released into Ohio's waters.  As one water qualitiy professional wrote "if you didn't eat or drink it, don't put it down the drain".
 
  1. Medications
    Prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, illegal drugs, patches, and hypodermic needles
     
  2. Cloth
    Cleaning rags, nylon stockings, underwear, shop towels, mop heads, dental floss
     
  3. Feminine Products
    Sanitary pads, tampons, applicators
     
  4. Plastic
    Plastic bags, plastic cotton swabs, disposable lighters, hotel shampoo bottles
     
  5. Chemicals
    Cleaning products, herbicides, insecticides, solvents
     
  6. Grease
    Auto, industrial
     
  7. Wipes
    Baby wipes, “disposable/flushable” wipes, personal hygiene wipes, and cleaning wipes
     
  8. Cooking Oil/Grease
    Fats, oils, cooking grease - used or unused
     
  9. Condoms
    Condoms and condom wrappers
     
  10. Diapers
    Paper or cloth, no matter how dirty, please dispose of in trash