Final answer:
Pharmacies should contact the DEA for the disposal of controlled substances, adhering to regulations to prevent environmental pollution and drug misuse. Other disposal methods like trash or flushing can cause harm to the environment and public health.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a pharmacy is tasked with the disposal of controlled substances, they should contact the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure proper protocol is followed. Disposing of such substances in the regular trash is not advised, since they can contribute to environmental pollution and potential drug diversion. Additionally, selling unused controlled substances to another pharmacy is illegal and not a viable option for disposal. Instead, pharmacies are required to adhere to specific regulations for the safe disposal of these drugs, which may include returning the substances to a reverse distributor who is registered with the DEA or participating in a DEA-approved take-back program.
Improper disposal methods, such as flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet or sink, can harm the environment and are a significant source of pharmaceutical contamination in water systems. The right disposal process protects both public health and the environment by preventing potential misuse and limiting environmental impact.