Clean and Green Part 2 - Prescription Drugs

Take a few minutes to go through your medicine cabinets and collect any expired or no longer needed medications. Getting the old drugs out of your house can prevent accidental use by curious children or pets who may find them, or by you. If you have several pill bottles, you could grab the wrong one by mistake. Removing them can also prevent intentional misuse by experimental teens or addicted adults.

Both prescription and over the counter drugs can be brought to the Lansdale Library for proper disposal this Saturday during the 3rd Annual Clean and Green Extravaganza. Pills, liquids, or creams, will all be accepted at this drug take back collection. Since some of the medications may be controlled substances, we appreciate Lansdale Borough Police Department for providing their support in overseeing this drug take back collection.

It’s important to dispose of medications properly. The US Environmental Protection Agency tells us
“DON’T: Flush expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.
DO: Return unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs to a drug take-back program.” Waste water treatment plants are often not set up to handle the removal of drugs from the water during the treatment process. The medicines can pass through the plant and into the creeks and waterways and eventually they may end up in our drinking water supply. Visit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/ppcp/ for more information.

Bonus tip: Keep your personal information confidential; remove your name and prescription number from medication labels. Scratch them off or cover them in permanent marker. More tips on protecting your identity will be shared in the upcoming article, Clean and Green Part 3 - Shredding. The Clean and Green Extravaganza is on Saturday July 20 from 9am to 1pm Full details are available on the library’s website at www.lansdalelibrary.org/cgabout.htm.