The Safe Medicine Disposal Program is partnering with local agencies, pharmacies and law enforcement offices to provide safe medicine disposal locations throughout the Russian River Watershed.
Why is this a problem?
Protect the environment
Recent studies show that pharmaceuticals in rivers and streams, if present at high enough concentrations, can harm aquatic wildlife. When flushed down the drain, some medications are not completely removed by wastewater treatment plants and are discharged to surface waters. Proper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals can help protect the environment.
Protect young children from accidental poisonings
Colorful pills and packaging can be attractive to young children. About 165 young children − or roughly four school bus loads of children − are seen in U.S. emergency rooms each day after getting into medications. Trips to the ER can easily be prevented! Learn more.
Keep medications out of the wrong hands
Unused and readily accessible medicines have the potential to be misused and abused, especially by teens. Prescription medications are the most commonly abused substance in the U.S. Learn more.