Many Canadians continue to discard old medication, dead batteries and old computers in the trash, creating serious environmental and health dangers, according to a Statistics Canada study released Thursday.

'Although collection programs exist in many parts of the country to safely dispose of and recycle special wastes, a large number of households may not know how to access these programs.'—John Marshall, Statistics Canada

The study, which examined data collected from the 2006 Households and Environment Survey, looked at how Canadians disposed of batteries, expired medication, old computers and electronics, and leftover paint.

"Although collection programs exist in many parts of the country to safely dispose of and recycle special wastes, a large number of households may not know how to access these programs, given that many dispose of these wastes through the normal waste stream or through the sanitary sewage system," said the report, authored by John Marshall.

4 in 10 toss old drugs in garbage or down drain

Nearly half of Canadians returned expired drugs to a pharmacy or drop-off centre while another 39 per cent buried, flushed or tossed their old medications in the garbage. The remaining respondents said they didn't know how to dispose of the drugs and kept them in their cupboards. Nearly a quarter of households reported having leftover or expired drugs in 2005.

The report noted that even low levels of drugs in the water is a serious concern.

"Although the concentrations are low, adverse effects on humans and animals may be possible," the report said.

"Recent research has indicated these products can cause hormonal disruption in many aquatic species. Concerns also exist about the human health effects of medication in drinking water sources."

Regionally, Quebec and P.E.I. reported the best return rate with nearly two-thirds of households in both provinces reporting they brought their old medications to a pharmacy or disposal depot.

25% of households recycle dead batteries

The study also found that nearly 50 per cent of households reported having dead batteries in Canada. Over one-quarter of respondents who had old batteries said they returned them to a recycling depot or supplier while 60 per cent said they threw them in the garbage.

Again, P.E.I. led the country in terms of recycling efforts, with more than half of households reporting they returned their batteries to a drop-off centre or supplier. Another 31 per cent of households in the province said they put their old batteries in the trash.

The report said certain batteries — including lead-acid, lithium, nickel-cadmium, silver oxide and mercury — contain toxic heavy metals.

16% of old computers, cell phones sent to the curb

Nearly half of households took their old computers or cellphones to a depot or gave it away, according to the report.

But 16 per cent of households with obsolete electronics said they threw the items in the garbage. Another 35 per cent said they still had it at home and didn't know how to dispose of the electronics.

Albertans were the most likely to donate or return old equipment, ahead of Ontario and British Columbia.

Majority of paint returned to depot or supplier

According to the report, of the 29 per cent of households that reported having paint to discard, over half of respondents said they returned it to a waste depot or supplier. Another 38 per cent said they kept their paint at home while four per cent said they put the paint in the garbage.