Drug-Free Drains

Controlling what goes down the drain

Every day the average adult uses nine personal care products that contain 126 unique compounds that could end up in our water. In additional to traces of products like shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, and cosmetics, minute amounts of prescription and over-the-counter drugs also make their way into water. They should be limited or prevented from entering our environment.

Due to our increased use of these products and greater analytical sensitivity, very tiny amounts of compounds and drugs can be detected in conventional treatment plant outflow and end up in creeks, streams and rivers. While there is no evidence these traces pose a risk to human health, scientists can sometimes find interference with aquatic organisms, and studies continue. Meanwhile, it's prudent to control what we put into water, and everyone's help is important.

How you can help keep water clean

In additional to following product recommendations for use and disposal and decreasing use when possible, you can help keep our water sources clean by simply not flushing unused medication down the toilet. Controlling what goes down the drain is the easiest and most effective way to protect the environment and you can start today!

Drug Drop Off

If you have any unwanted prescription medication, a drug safe has been installed in the Mount Dora Police Department's lobby for you to deposit unwanted medicine. Periodically, the medicine is removed from the safe and destroyed via state-mandated procedures. For more information, please call (352) 735-7130.

Mount Dora Police Department Headquarters
1300 North Donnelly Street
Mount Dora, FL 32757

Useful Link

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Lake County Household Hazardous Waste Information
Seven Steps To Safe Medication Disposal (PDF)
Household Waste Chart (PDF)