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Tip #204

Replace standard light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent bulbs.

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Fort Collins Utilities is an equal opportunity residential and commercial utility service provider. We do not discriminate in the terms, conditions or provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.


Fort Collins Utilities es una empresa proveedora de servicios públicos residenciales y comerciales con igualdad de oportunidad. No discriminamos en los términos, las condiciones o la provisión de servicios en base a raza, color, religión, sexo, discapacidad, estatus familiar o nacionalidad de origen.

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal


Help protect water quality by properly disposing of unused pharmaceuticals. While pharmaceutical compounds have been identified in many of our nation's water bodies, the City of Fort Collins' drinking water is safe, according to U.S. Geological Survey studies and tests conducted by Fort Collins Utilities.

Fort Collins Utilities is the first municipality to use water from the Cache la Poudre River as it flows from the mountains. We also get drinking water from Horsetooth Reservoir, which holds water from a variety of sources, including regulated upstream wastewater treatment facilities in Estes Park that could contain trace amounts of pharmaceuticals.

Studies show these levels to be miniscule, or below measurable levels. Pharmaceutical and personal care products are introduced into our environment in a variety of ways and through the improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them down the drain.

Many pharmaceuticals are not effectively removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants. Some compounds and residues pass through the treatment process and are discharged into the receiving streams and water bodies. In Fort Collins, this means back into the Poudre River, eventually meeting the South Platte River east of Greeley and flowing through the Eastern Plains.


  • Pharmaceutical Take-back Program
    Check to see if your pharmacy has a pharmaceutical take-back program and return your unneeded or expired medications to them for proper disposal.
  • Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Program
    Residential hazardous waste is accepted, at no charge, by the Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Program. For information on pharmaceutical disposal, call 970.498.5773 or larimer.org/SolidWaste/HAZ.HTM
  • Disposal in Trash
    Be sure to make prescription drugs unusable by mixing with an unpalatable, absorbent substance, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds. Crush or dissolve pills in water, then mix with the absorbent material. Pills also can be mixed with glue and dried before discarding.
  • Read Instructions Before Flushing
    Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the information accompanying the medication specifically states it is safe to do so.
  • Controlled Substances
    Refer to printed disposal instructions that accompany the medication. Controlled substances include, but are not limited, to:
    • Actiq (fentanyl citrate)
    • Daytrana Transdemal System (fentanyl)
    • OxyContin Tablets (oxycodone)
    • Avinza Capsules (morphine sulfate)
    • Baraclude Tablets (entecavir)
    • Ryataz Capsules (atazanavir sulfate)
    • Tequin Tablets (gatifloxacin)
    • Zerit for Oral Solution (stavudine)
    • Merperidine HCl Tablets
    • Percocet (Oxcodone and Acetaminophen)
    • Xyrem (Sodium Oxybate)
    • Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet)

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