GNWPCD set to host its fourth “Shed the Meds” event

The Island Now

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District recently announced that it will hold its fourth “Shed the Meds” event on Sunday, June 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

As part of the event, the district will open its free medication disposal drive-thru to residents so they can safely and properly dispose of unused or expired medications. Residents are encouraged to drop off expired and unused medications and sharps to District headquarters at 236 East Shore Road via a drive-thru process that is quick and ensures that the pharmaceutical waste is disposed of safely.

The event is intended to raise awareness of the dangers flushing medications down the toilet pose to the community’s water supply and environment.

“For the fourth time in less than two years, the district is happy to offer this free service as an alternative means of disposing pharmaceuticals to safeguard our local waterways and ultimately Long Island’s water supply,” Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Patty Katz said. “Participation in this program is a simple way to be a partner in protecting the local environment and reducing the far too common practice of flushing medications down the toilet.”

Since this event’s inception, the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District has collected more than 800 pounds of pharmaceutical waste. The community event is hosted in partnership with Reach Out America, the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, North Shore Action, the Nassau County Police Department, Northwell Health and the Great Neck North High School Key Club.

“We are looking forward to another successful event and are hoping, with the community’s help, to reach the 1,000 pounds of collected pharmaceuticals mark in just our first four events,” Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Steve Reiter said. “The Great Neck community has always been an environmental leader, and the event’s continued success is a testament to our shared interest in preserving and protecting the local environment for future generations.”

For additional information and updates about the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, please visit the website at www.gnwpcd.net or call the office at 516-482-0238.

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