The federal government issued new standards in February for disposing of prescription drugs. Americans are encouraged to do one of three things:

Check with local pharmacies to see if they have a disposal program for unneeded or expired prescription drugs.

Take the old prescription drugs out of their original bottles or boxes and flush them down the toilet if the patient information says it's OK to do so.

Mix the medicines in a sealable container with coffee, dirt or kitty litter — anything undesirable — and throw it in a trash-collection bin.

For more information visit: www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov