Sharps launches products to help with prescription drug disposal

HOUSTON About 4 billion prescriptions are filled in the United States every year, but as much as 35 percent of them go unused, meaning that more than 200 million pounds of drugs can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly.

A Houston-based company, Sharps Compliance, has created RxTakeAway, a line of products that allow consumers and community facilities such as assisted-living centers and prisons, to safely dispose of unused medications for destruction at a Sharps incineration plant. The products include containers in several sizes and packaging with pre-paid postage.

Earlier this month, several cities found pharmaceutical contamination in their water supplies. Many consumers flush unused drugs down the toilet.