Devices and methods for disposing of medications

Abstract

The present invention provides a safe means for disposing of many kinds of medications and other substances so as to mitigate the many hazards associated with flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the sink or placing them in the trash. For example, the inventive device comprises a closeable container into which pills, capsules or liquids may be placed. Once filled or as otherwise desired, this container may be reliably sealed prior to transporting it to a reclamation place suitable for processing and / or neutralizing the chemicals, or prior to placing the entire container in the trash. A reliably sealed container in the landfill would inhibit drugs from contaminating the water supply.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 168,309, filed Apr. 10, 2009, entitled DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DISPOSING OF MEDICATIONS, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. The Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to devices and methods designed for the safe disposal of unused medications.[0004]2. The Relevant Technology[0005]Historically consumers have been taught to dispose of expired, unused and otherwise unwanted medicine by flushing it down the toilet. The toilet has commonly been used to dispose of many small or pliable items. Through time many have learned that the toilet is not the ideal means for disposing of common bathroom items such as facial tissue, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, etc. Not only can the toilets become clogged, but also many of these items are cumulatively harmful to the water treatm...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention provides a safe means for disposing of many kinds of medications and other substances so as to mitigate the many hazards associated with flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the sink or placing them in the trash.

[0014]One preferred embodiment presents a closeable container into which pills, capsules or liquids may be placed. Once filled, this container may be reliably sealed prior to transporting it to a reclamation place suitable for processing and / or neutralizing the chemicals, or prior to placing the entire container in the trash. A reliably sealed container would prevent access to the substances placed in the container by pets, children, and potential thieves, as well as inhibiting the drugs from contaminating the water supply after the container is disposed on in the landfill.

[0015]While in use at a home, hospital, nursing home or the like, these containers would preferably be kept closed so as to lock out access where desired such as to prevent children and / or pets from access. They could be locked as well to discourage potential thieves from stealing medications. Alternatively they could be stored out of reach much like household cleaners are kept away from children and pets. Storing pills in such a container, and outside of their prescription labeled container, may also discourage potential thieves from taking the pills, because the medication will be harder to identify, and eventually would be mixed in with other pills disposed of in the same container disclosed herein. Additionally, additives can be mixed with the medicaments to both dissolve and / or further discourage unwanted usage of the drugs.

[0017]Alternatively, another exemplary embodiment includes a medication container manufactured out of a highly durable yet pliable theromset, such as neoprene or santiprene, that is highly puncture and tear resistant. These too could have reinforcing fibers such as KEVLAR in order to prevent puncture. The advantage of this embodiment is that it would be less vulnerable to being crushed and broken open. Additionally, any crushing activity would serve to crush the pills inside making them less usable if found. Furthermore, being made out of a puncture-resistant rubber would make it more difficult to break into the container after disposal, thereby discouraging potential thieves from trying to access the unused medications and reducing the likelihood of the medications finding their way into the ground water.

Problems solved by technology

Storing pills in such a container, and outside of their prescription labeled container, may also discourage potential thieves from taking the pills, because the medication will be harder to identify, and eventually would be mixed in with other pills disposed of in the same container disclosed herein.

Images