What does the AVMA recommend as the best method for disposing of unwanted drugs?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends incineration as the best method for disposing of unwanted drugs due to its efficiency in safely eliminating pharmaceutical waste. Incineration not only reduces the volume of waste but also ensures that potentially harmful substances are destroyed at high temperatures, preventing environmental contamination and protecting public health. This method minimizes the risk of drugs entering the water supply or affecting wildlife, making it the preferred option for responsible drug disposal in a veterinary setting.

In contrast, other disposal methods carry risks that can be detrimental to both the environment and community health. For instance, sending drugs to a landfill does not guarantee that they will not leach into the soil or groundwater. Flushing drugs down the drain or toilet poses a serious threat to water systems and the organisms that inhabit aquatic environments, as many pharmaceuticals can survive wastewater treatment processes. Lastly, storing drugs indefinitely is not a viable solution, as it can lead to expired medications that may be improperly used or disposed of later. Therefore, incineration stands out as the recommended practice to ensure safe and effective disposal of unwanted drugs.