Your medicine cabinet could contain waste that’s hazardous to the health of your family and your community. And the regional district wants you to clean it up.

The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) are urging residents to return their old medications to their local pharmacy to protect themselves, their families and the environment.

"Unused or expired medications can be potentially harmful if swallowed by children or pets,” said Ralph Lai, president of the BCPhA. “They can also contaminate the environment if thrown in the trash or flushed down a toilet."

B.C.'s medications return program ensures safe and effective disposal of old or expired prescription drugs, as well as oral dosage over-the-counter medications and natural health products.

"This is an important issue that impacts the environment as well as the health of everyone in our regional district," said Peter Hughes, director of environmental services for the TNRD.

More information on the program can be found at www.medicationsreturn.ca.