Keep your community and water supply safe by properly discarding unwanted medications
This Saturday, October 22, the public is encouraged to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications at more than 40 locations throughout the Washington D.C. region, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agencys National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide event to promote the safe disposal of expired and unwanted medications. The initiative is being promoted in the National Capital Region by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and regional partners, including law enforcement agencies, water utilities and health officials. Proper medication disposal keeps our communities safe by preventing drug abuse, accidental ingestion and the contamination of our water supplies. The service is free and anonymous.
To find the nearest medication disposal site, visit bit.ly/Medtakeback.
"Customer safety is our first priority at DC Water," said DC Water CEO and General Manager George S. Hawkins. "By properly disposing of medications, everyone can help to keep these potentially harmful substances from entering our waterways. By working together, we can protect our water supply and the health of our community.
For those who cant make it to the take-back locations this Saturday, a list of permanent, secure disposal locations in the region is posted at bit.ly/managemedication.
With the exception of controlled substances, many unwanted or expired medications can be discarded with household trash by following the instructions below. If you are unsure if your medication is a controlled substance, consult a licensed pharmacist or check local laws to determine if trash disposal is an option.
1. Remove medications from their original containers.
2. Mix the medication with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3. Place the mixture into a disposable container that can be sealed, like a plastic bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information on empty containers, including the prescription number, by covering it with permanent marker or by scratching it off.
