Don’t let unwanted meds go down the drain

There have been a number of articles published recently about the hazards associated with the flushing of unwanted medications down the sink or toilet. For many years, the recommendation by the pharmaceutical companies was to flush outdated or unwanted medications down the drain. It is now clear that this practice is not the best solution because studies conducted by the United States Geological Survey indicate that 80 percent of the streams sampled contained pharmaceuticals. Other studies have shown that the medications in the water are having negative impacts on fish.
Clearly, the common practice of flushing prescription and over-the-counter medications down the drain is having negative consequences and must be changed. Now there is a better way to dispose of old medications. An Aroostook County group is working to change old habits and protect our environment by working with a myriad of professionals from the medical, law enforcement, environmental, solid waste, and drug education fields. Plans are being set in motion to collect unwanted medications and safely dispose of them in compliance with a host of laws and regulations.
So what do you do with your outdated or unwanted medications? Take them to the Presque Isle Police Department in their original containers where they will be secured for later disposal. A Household Hazardous Waste collection day will be held at the Presque Isle Transfer Station on August 23rd of this year and prescription drugs will be part of that collection. Prescriptions that have been turned into the Police Department will be included in the Household Hazardous Waste collection day.
If you have outdated or unwanted medications, do not flush them down the toilet, which could impact our streams and rivers. Also, do not place them in the trash where they could be stolen or ingested by animals. Take them to the Presque Isle Police Department for safekeeping until they can be properly disposed of. If you do not live in the Presque Isle area, call your local police department to determine if they are participating in this program.
Keeping outdated and unwanted prescription drugs in your home poses a threat to you, your family, your pets, your community, and the environment. There is now a better and safer method of disposing of old medications. Take advantage of this new program to ensure the safety and well being of your family and the environment.
    Dana Fowler is the Solid Waste Director for the City of Presque Isle. He can be contacted at 764-2512 or dfowler@presqueisleme.us.