Saturday, October 22, 2016 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiative to provide a safe way for the public to conveniently and responsibly dispose of old or unused prescription drugs.
While one goal of the program is to educate the public about the potential for prescription drug abuse, another goal is to promote proper disposal to protect our waterways. When medications are poured or flushed down the drain, they can become contaminants when the treated wastewater is released back into our local waterways. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove medications from the water they treat. Practicing proper disposal methods will help ensure these pollutants remain out of the water.
To participate in the national take-back day in October and find the nearest collection site, visit the DEA website. The DEA’s handy Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locator can be used anytime simply by entering your zip code. Visit askHRgreen.org to learn more about other responsible medication disposal options.
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