The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District collected more than 200 pounds of unused and expired medications at its second free medical disposal drive-thru event—Shed the Meds— on Sunday, June 3.
In partnership with Reach Out America, the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, North Shore Action, the Nassau County Police Department, Northwell Health and the Boy Scouts, the District welcomed local residents as they dropped off their medications in an environmentally safe manner.
“We thank Great Neck residents for their participation in our second Shed the Meds event—a day that brought about a tremendous amount of safely collected medications and raised awareness of the harmful effects that flushing pharmaceuticals has on the local water supply,” said Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Patty Katz. “This event is part of the District’s ongoing mission to not only safeguard the local water supply from harmful items and materials but also inform residents of ways that they can play a role in protecting the environment.”
The District plans to host more Shed the Meds events in the future as it aims to lower pharmaceutical compounds in the water system. In between events, the District offers residents free pharmaceutical disposal kits through its ongoing pharmaceutical take-back program, which are available to residents at District headquarters at 236 East Shore Road.
The community can use the pharmaceutical disposal kits with prepaid postage to dispose of unused medications in their original containers, including legally held Schedule II, III, IV and V controlled drugs and narcotics. Liquid medications of up to four ounces can also be included in the disposal kits, but must be placed in sealed plastic bags. For more information about drug schedules, visit www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml.
“This is yet another example of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District being a leader amongst wastewater treatment centers across the country,” said Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Steve Reiter. “We look forward to continuing this initiative—and others— that work to benefit both the residents we serve and the environment.”
For additional information and updates about the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, please call its office at 516-482-0238 or visit its website at www.gnwpcd.net.
