Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Project
The RUM project is a government funded project to reduce the disposal of unwanted and out-of-date medicines in the general waste or in the sewerage. It also aims to reduce unwanted medicines in the household which have the potential to cause harm if used incorrectly.
According to the RUM Project, more than 500 tonnes of medicines find their way into waterways and landfill every year.
Consumers are being encouraged to keep in mind the potential harm to the environment from incorrectly disposing of medications and to return their unwanted or out-of-date medication to Pharmacy 194 for appropriate disposal!
Now that I am aware of the RUM Project what do I do next? Its easy…
- Collect all household medicines from the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Check all expiry dates and place all out-of-date medications into a container.
- Check for any medication that is no longer required or being used by the family.
- Take the container to Pharmacy 194 for appropriate disposal!
Don’t flush medicines down the toilet
Sewerage plants can’t treat all chemicals in waste water, resulting in contamination of waterways.
Don’t pour medicines down the sink
Household medicines contain highly soluble chemicals which when entered into water systems can harm aquatic life.
Don’t throw medicines into the garbage bin
Household medicines disposed of this way end up in exposed landfill sites
