Friday, August 31, 2012

Here's What to Do With Your Old Meds

Posted By on Fri, Aug 31, 2012 at 9:30 AM

If you have unused or expired prescription medicine taking up space in your bathroom cabinet, don't pour them down the drain or flush them.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "Some medicines, vitamins and other supplements poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet may pass through wastewater treatment plants. They may enter lakes, rivers and streams which are often used as sources for community drinking water supplies. Water treatment plants are generally not equipped to routinely remove medicines and supplements."

This Saturday, Sept. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon, the Tucson/Pima County Household Hazardous Waste Program and the Pima County Sheriff's Department are sponsoring a medicine collection event at Eastside City Hall, 7575 E. Speedway Blvd. There's no charge to drop off materials. You can also drop off paint and other household chemicals. More info below:

In addition to old medications, you may also bring paint or other household chemicals for collection. Accepted materials include: automotive fluids, auto and rechargeable batteries from electronics equipment, toxic cleaning products, fluorescent lamps, paints, solvents, lawn and garden products, and computer equipment. The program only accepts materials generated in homes—no commercially generated materials are accepted. More information is available on-line here or by calling ES Customer Service at 791-3171.

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