To: Margaret Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs

Ask the FDA to require recyclable Rx bottles

Require that prescription bottles be made out of a plastic (or other material) that is readily recyclable.

Why is this important?

3.7 billion prescriptions were filled in retail pharmacies in the United States in 2010 (1). That is an awful lot of plastic. Unfortunately, the bottles used for these prescriptions are often not recyclable (2). Many states also prohibit pharmacies from reusing prescription bottles (3).

(1) http://www.statehealthfacts.org/profileind.jsp?sub=66&rgn=1&cat=5

(2) http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/recycling/questions/can-i-recycle-my-used-prescription-bottles

(3) http://www.suddenlyfrugal.com/2008/10/random-reusables-follow-up-on-prescription-bottles/

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