Prescription Drug Disposal

Here is an editorial from the Bangor Daily News out of Maine. It addresses the steps that Maine has taken to try to limit drugs from being flushed or thrown out.

In 2004, the Maine Legislature passed a bill creating an unused pharmaceuticals disposal program. In 2007, the University of Maine's Center on Aging received a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a prescription drug mail-back pilot program. Prepaid mailers were made available to the public through pharmacies and medical clinics. Unused drugs were to be put into the mailers, which went to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency where pharmacists tabulated what types of drugs are being discarded. The drugs were then sent to a hazardous waste incinerator.

Prescription Disposal

Cape Cod is another community reconsidering how prescription drugs are disposed. The community depends upon a single water source. Contamination of the water supply is carefully monitored.

We must reach a better solution for disposal of prescription drugs across the nation. Disturbing reports of their effects on amphibians and fish should be enough to convince stakeholders of the necessity of action.

Prescription Disposal Assistance During Earth Week

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is working to promote proper prescription drug disposal this Earth Week.

This press release explains some of the details.

Proper prescription drug disposal is a benefit to the environment and community.

Prescription Disposal

I know that the Wayne County Pharmacists Association has done some work to reach a solution to disposal of prescription drugs in Michigan. Here is an article about Iowa's new plans.