Pharmaceutical Take Back Event - April 30, 2011

DEA take back event logo

Medicines that are flushed down a toilet or sink can contaminate water resources and can have a negative impact on fish and other aquatic species. Septic systems and public wastewater facilities are not designed to treat these products and eventually they can impact wells and community drinking water supplies.  Currently, there has been no evidence found of adverse effects on human health from pharmaceuticals in the environment but the long-term effects of pharmaceuticals and similar chemicals on humans are still being researched.  Unused and expired medications should be properly disposed of at community take-back events or by following guidelines established by the federal government.  For more info about pharmaceuticals in the environment, visit www.epa.gov/ppcp.

Does your family have any unused or expired medications?  Drop by a pharmaceutical take back location on April 30, 2011 from 10am - 2pm to properly dispose of these potential environmental contaminants.  Local sites include the Fairfield Fire Department* and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Center in Gettysburg**.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website contains information on the program as well as a national database of participating locations.  A map of take back locations in the Potomac River Basin is available here.

*The Fairfield Fire Department is located at 106 Steelman St, Fairfield, PA 17320.

**The Agriculture and Natural Resources Center is located at 670 Old Harrisburg Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325.