Table 2.

Respondents’ Prior Practices and Beliefs Concerning Unused and Expired Medication Disposal

Number (%)
Patients who have disposed of medications by (number):
    Rinsing down a sink (301)
        Yes106 (35.2)
        No195 (64.8)
    Storing in the house (301)
        Yes163 (54.2)
        No138 (45.8)
    Returning to a pharmacy (301)
        Yes69 (22.9)
        No232 (77.1)
    Flushing down a toilet (301)
        Yes162 (53.8)
        No139 (46.2)
    Giving to friends or family (299)
        Yes33 (11.0)
        No266 (89.0)
    Returning to a health care provider (300)
        Yes42 (14.0)
        No258 (86.0)
Patients who believe it is acceptable to dispose of medications by (number):
    Rinsing down a sink (300)
        Yes63 (21.0)
        No151 (50.3)
        Unsure86 (28.7)
    Storing in the house (300)
        Yes45 (15.0)
        No213 (71.0)
        Unsure42 (14.0)
    Returning to a pharmacy (300)
        Yes200 (66.7)
        No37 (12.3)
        Unsure63 (21.0)
    Flushing down a toilet (300)
        Yes107 (35.7)
        No130 (43.3)
        Unsure63 (21.0)
    Giving to friends or family (301)
        Yes8 (2.7)
        No285 (94.7)
        Unsure8 (2.7)
    Returning to a health care provider (300)
        Yes159 (53.0)
        No56 (18.7)
        Unsure85 (28.3)