Via NPR – Marketplace: “U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water _ contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.” See also: “graphic shows location of codeine-producing factories near area where a water sample taken from the Delaware River/AP.”

• Office of National Drug Control Policy: Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs – Federal Guidelines: “Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.”
• FDA: How to Dispose of Unused Medicines, Updated April 14, 2009: Guidelines for Drug Disposal / Why the Precautions? / Environmental Concerns