March 26, 2008

In response to recent publicity regarding household medications being found in trace amounts in the nation's water supply, the Department of Environmental Quality has prepared the "Remedy for Prescription Drug Disposal" guidance, which explains the steps citizens can take to best manage their unwanted medications.

The guidance outlines a number of options that Michigan residents can use to safely dispose of their medications including checking with a local pharmacy to see if they have a drug take back program, find out if their community has a special collection for unused and expired drugs, and how to properly dispose of unwanted medicines in the trash if a collection program is not available.

The guidance is available online at: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-cau-rxbrochure.pdf.

Communities interested in setting up a household medication collection program, and medical offices and pharmacies that want to find out the waste regulations that apply to them are encouraged to attend the DEQ sponsored workshop entitled "Unwanted Medicine Disposal: Doing it the Right Way," to be held on April 2, at the Cleary University, Johnson Center in Howell.

Workshop presenters will focus on alternatives to flushing medicines including best practices from solid waste facilities in Michigan and surrounding states/provinces. The registration fee of $75 includes continental breakfast, lunch, and workshop materials.

Register online by March 27, at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops (click on "Upcoming DEQ Workshops"). Additional registration information is available through the Environmental Assistance Center at 1 800-662-9278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

For more information about pharmaceuticals and personal care products as pollutants, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Web page at www.epa.gov/ppcp.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised March 26, 2008 by Pat Watson