WSSC Backs Safe Disposal of Prescription Drugs

DEA’s National Take-Back Initiative Benefits Waterways, Too

(Laurel, MD) – October 24, 2013:  Health and safety aren’t the only reasons to support the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Prescription Drug Take-Back Day; it’s good for the water, too. WSSC urges its customers to take part in the drug take-back program this Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at local police stations in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Unwanted prescription drugs can be dangerous if left in the medicine cabinet expired or unused. Drugs can also 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.

Improperly discarded drugs can also affect our rivers and streams, possibly causing ecological damage. Although water treatment practices used by WSSC appear to eliminate or reduce these pollutants to safe levels based on the best information currently available, the risks posed by disposed prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are continuing to be 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 it 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.

This year, the drop-off locations in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties are as follows:  

Prince George’s County

District 1 Station - 5000 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville

District 3 Station - 7600 Barlowe Road, Landover

District 4 Station - 5135 Indian Head Highway, Oxon Hill

Montgomery County

1^st District Station - 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg

2^nd District Station - Friendship Heights Comm. Center, 4433 S. Park Avenue, Chevy Chase

3^rd District Station - 801 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring

4^th District Station - 2300 Randolph Road, Wheaton

5^th District Station - 20000 Aircraft Drive, Germantown

6^th District Station - 45 West Watkins Mill Road, Gaithersburg

In the six previous take-back events, more than 2.8 million pounds of prescription medications were removed from circulation. Check out the DEA’s website for more information and a list of “take-back” locations in the Washington, DC area.