District Launches Initiative to Reduce Harmful Flushing of Pharmaceutical Waste

Great Neck, NY (July 14, 2015) – The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is launching an initiative to reduce the harmful flushing of pharmaceutical waste in an effort to protect the environment and reduce groundwater infiltration. For decades, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advocated disposing unused pharmaceuticals by flushing them down the toilet. However, Long Island’s water filtration facilities are not equipped to filter out pharmaceutical compounds. As an additional service to the taxpayer, the GNWPCD is providing free pharmaceutical disposal kits at District Headquarters, 236 East Shore Road, Great Neck, NY 11023.

“We are very happy to announce the installation of this new service for our taxpayers,” said GNWPCD Superintendent Christopher Murphy. “Great Neck residents rely solely on groundwater for their drinking water supply. By offering an easy solution to, and spreading awareness of, the harmful effects of flushing pharmaceuticals, we hope to combat this issue.”

The pharmaceutical disposal kits offered for free by the GNWPCD provide Great Neck residents the opportunity to dispose of unused medications in their original containers, including legally held Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled drugs and narcotics. Liquid medications up to four ounces must be placed in sealed plastic bags before inclusion in the disposal kits. GNWPCD kits are not intended for Schedule I controlled substances, needles, syringes, lancets, injection pens, chemotherapy waste or other medical waste. All kits should be mailed to Sharps Compliance at 1544 N.E. Loop, Carthage, Texas 75633. For more information about drug schedules, please refer to the Drug Enforcement Agency website at www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml.

“Providing pharmaceutical disposal kits for free is part of the commissioners’ ongoing effort to promote water safety and environmental health,” said District Commissioner Deena Lesser. “Knowing how to properly dispose of unused pharmaceuticals is an essential part of protecting our environment.”

About:

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) provides sewage services for the villages of Thomaston, Kensington and Saddle Rock; the Village of Great Neck; most of the Village of Great Neck Plaza; and the unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Railroad. The GNWPCD’s mission is to protect our bay, the environment and the health of our society.