Medication Disposal System

Abstract

A system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization process includes a container holding a quantity of disposal formula, sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable, liquid-impermeable liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent leakage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 940,301 filed on Feb. 14, 2014.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to the field of hazardous waste containment, and more specifically to a system for the safe disposal of medications.BACKGROUND[0003]Abuse of prescription medications represents the fastest-growing segment of drug abuse. Painkillers such as morphine and oxycodone, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, and depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be therapeutic when properly used, but can also be addictive and dangerous when abused. Unfortunately, these medications cannot simply be thrown out or washed down a drain when unused or expired, as they may cause contamination of soil and water.[0004]Non-prescription medications are also abused, and, like prescription medications, cannot simply be thrown out due to a risk of contamination. Additionally, over-the-counter...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The present invention is a system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization process. The system includes a container holding a quantity of disposal formula and sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent leakage.

Problems solved by technology

Painkillers such as morphine and oxycodone, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, and depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be therapeutic when properly used, but can also be addictive and dangerous when abused.

Unfortunately, these medications cannot simply be thrown out or washed down a drain when unused or expired, as they may cause contamination of soil and water.

Non-prescription medications are also abused, and, like prescription medications, cannot simply be thrown out due to a risk of contamination.

Additionally, over-the-counter effervescent medications such as cold and flu tablets may cause chemical reactions that damage pipes or refuse containers.

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