WSSC Backs Safe Disposal of Prescription Drugs

DEA’s National Take-Back Initiative Benefits Waterways Too 

(Laurel, MD) –  April 26, 2013: The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) urges its customers and the general public to take part in the Sixth Annual Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at local police stations in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Check out the DEA’s website for more information and a list of “Take-Back” locations in our area. In the five previous Take-Back events, more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications were removed from circulation thanks to the DEA in conjunction with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners,

Unwanted prescription drugs can be dangerous if left in the medicine cabinet expired, or unused.  Drugs can end up in our waterways if disposed of improperly by flushing them down the toilet or washing them down the drain.  This program is an opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous prescription drugs, protecting families from potential misuse and abuse and also protecting the sources of our drinking water.

Although water treatment practices used by WSSC eliminate or reduce these pollutants to safe levels, the risks posed by disposed prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are continuously studied by state and federal regulatory agencies.

If you can’t take advantage of a take-back program, please dispose of old or unused medication responsibly. Take unused, un-needed or expired non-controlled prescription drugs out of their original prescription bottles to protect your personal information. Crush medication and place in an impermeable, nondescript container such as an empty can or sealable bag. Mix with coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter and discard with regular trash. Liquid medication may be handled in the same fashion.